soak up

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soak up (third-person singular simple present soaks up, present participle soaking up, simple past and past participle soaked up)

1. To absorb or draw in a substance, especially all of that substance.

   The tissue soaked up all of the spilled milk.

2. (figurative, by extension) To absorb or deflect a series of actions; to endure a behavior from someone.
   • 2013 October 19, Chris Bevan, BBC Sport:

     Tan was not at Stamford Bridge and Mackay's tactics proved effective as his side soaked up Chelsea's attacks despite conceding the majority of possession, and frequently threatened on the break.

3. (idiomatic) To learn, especially passively or eagerly; to allow an experience to affect oneself.
4. To enjoy some effects.

   soak up the sun

   • 2022 January 12, Paul Bigland, “Fab Four: the nation's finest stations: Grange-over-Sands”, in RAIL, number 948, page 28:

     Even so, this delightful station is well worth a visit, - either to admire the architecture, sip a coffee from the shop, or just soak up the relaxed atmosphere of the area and watch the birds and other wildlife on the shores right outside the station.