sop up

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Explanation of "Sop Up"

Definition: The phrase "sop up" is a verb that means to soak up a liquid, usually using something like a sponge or a piece of bread. It can also be used metaphorically to mean taking in or absorbing ideas, feelings, or information.

Usage Instructions:

• Literal Use: When you want to describe the action of soaking up liquid from a surface.
• Metaphorical Use: When you want to express the idea of absorbing knowledge, emotions, or inspiration.

Examples:

1. Literal Example:

   • "After dinner, I used a piece of bread to sop up the extra gravy on my plate."

2. Metaphorical Example:

   • "She sopped up the encouragement from her friends before the big performance."

Advanced Usage:

In more advanced contexts, "sop up" can also imply a deeper understanding or assimilation of complex concepts or feelings. For example: - "The students sopped up the professor's wisdom during the lecture, eager to learn."

Word Variants:

• Noun Form: "sop" (a piece of bread used to soak up liquids)
• Adjective Form: "soaked" (very wet, often as a result of being sopped up)

Different Meanings:

While "sop up" mainly refers to soaking up liquids, it can also describe a situation where someone absorbs information or emotional support.

Synonyms:

• For Literal Use: soak up, absorb, sponge up
• For Metaphorical Use: take in, assimilate, absorb, digest

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:

• "Sop up" as an idiom: Often implies not just physical absorption but also taking in experiences or lessons.
• Phrasal Verb Example: "Sop up knowledge" means to eagerly learn and absorb information.

Summary:

"Sop up" is a versatile expression that can be used in both physical and metaphorical contexts.

Academic

Verb

1. take up as if with a sponge
2. take in, also metaphorically
   • The sponge absorbs water well
   • She drew strength from the minister's words

Synonyms

• take in
• suck in
• take up
• absorb
• suck
• imbibe
• soak up
• suck up
• draw