soak up

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.