English

Verb

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

     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.