1.
If a soft or dry material soaks up a liquid, the liquid goes into the substance.
The cells will promptly start to soak up moisture.
PHRASAL VERB : V P n (not pron) , also V n P
2.
If you soak up the atmosphere in a place that you are visiting, you observe or get involved in the way of life there, because you enjoy it or are interested in it. ( INFORMAL )
Keaton comes here once or twice a year to soak up the atmosphere.
= absorb
PHRASAL VERB : V P n (not pron) , also V n P
3.
If something soaks up something such as money or other resources, it uses a great deal of money or other resources.
Defence soaks up forty per cent of the budget...
PHRASAL VERB : V P n (not pron)