# lap up

CEFR B1 · Phrasal verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/lap-up
Updated: 2026-04-24

## Definition

to eagerly accept or absorb something, like a dog drinking water.

For teachers: to absorb or accept something enthusiastically; often used metaphorically to describe taking in information or enjoying something.

## Examples

- The dog lapped up the water from the bowl.
- The students lapped up the teacher's engaging lecture.
- The audience lapped up the actor's charismatic performance, leaving the theatre in a state of euphoria.

## Pitfalls

- Not "The students lapped the lecture." but "The students lapped up the lecture." — the particle 'up' is required; 'lap' alone means something different (to move in a circular motion).

## Usage notes

- typically followed by a noun indicating what is being absorbed or accepted.
- Teaching tip: contrast with 'take in' (more general) and 'devour' (more intense); the phrase originates from the literal action of dogs lapping water.

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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.