Soak Up Meaning

(idiomatic) To learn, especially passively or eagerly; to allow an experience to affect oneself.

Example: To absorb or draw in a substance, especially all of that substance
  The tissue soaked up all of the spilled milk.
2013, Chris Bevan, "[1]", 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.