# sink in

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/sink-in
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

To become completely known, felt, or understood.

## Examples

- It took a moment for the news to sink in.
- After she received the acceptance letter, it took a few hours for the reality of her success to sink in.
- The gravity of the situation did not fully sink in until the final reports confirmed the extent of the damage.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.