SOAK UP

{v.} 1. To take up water or other liquid as a sponge does. * /The rag soaked up the water that I spilled./ 2. To use a sponge or something like a sponge to take up liquid. * /John soaked up the water with the rag./ 3. {informal} To take up into yourself in the way a sponge takes up water. * /Mary was lying on the beach soaking up the sun./ * /Charles soaks up facts as fast as the teacher gives them./