Phrasal verb
lap up
To eagerly accept or consume something, especially praise or attention, or for an animal to drink liquid with its tongue.
Meanings
To accept or consume something, especially praise, attention, or information, eagerly and enthusiastically.
(Of an animal) to drink a liquid by scooping it up with its tongue.
Definition
When someone "laps something up," they accept or consume it with great enthusiasm and often without questioning. This phrasal verb is commonly used to describe how people receive praise, flattery, information, or attention. It can also literally describe an animal drinking a liquid by scooping it with its tongue.
Examples
- The crowd lapped up every inspiring word from the motivational speaker.
- She laps up all the praise her boss gives her, even when it's exaggerated.
- He lapped up the gossip about his colleagues, finding it incredibly entertaining.
- The thirsty dog quickly lapped up the cool water from its bowl after a long walk.
- Don't just lap up everything you read online; always check your sources.
Common mistake
A common mistake is to use "lap up" for humans consuming solid food, instead of for liquids (by animals) or abstract concepts like praise or attention.