lap up: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘lap up’ mean?
The idiom "lap up" means to enthusiastically accept or enjoy something, often without much thought or consideration. It is similar to eagerly drinking up or accepting something without hesitation.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "lay hands on" means to find or acquire something, often with a sense of urgency or determination.
The idiom *laugh up one's sleeve* means to secretly find amusement or satisfaction in a situation without showing it openly. It implies a hidden or sly sense of humor.
The idiom "latch onto" means to quickly understand or grasp something, often an idea or concept. It implies a swift and strong attachment or connection to the subject matter.
The idiom "lap of luxury" refers to a state of great comfort, wealth, and luxury. It suggests a life of abundance and indulgence.
The idiom "kiss up to" means to flatter, praise, or show excessive admiration to someone, often in order to gain favor or win their approval. It implies insincere or obsequious behavior.
The idiom "kiss up" means to flatter or praise someone excessively in order to gain favor or advantage, usually in a sycophantic or insincere manner.
The idiom "jump at the chance" means to eagerly accept or take advantage of an opportunity without hesitation.
The idiom *jump at* means to eagerly accept or seize an opportunity without hesitation.
Idiom: hop up
Meaning: To consume or ingest a stimulant, typically referring to drugs, caffeine, or alcohol.
Immersing in Blissful Consumption
Lap up is an idiom that describes someone eagerly or enthusiastically accepting or enjoying something without much consideration or discernment. This phrase is commonly used in informal contexts and can be applied to various situations.
One possible explanation for the use of "lap up" in this idiomatic sense is the visual and auditory image of a dog enthusiastically drinking water. Dogs are known for their eagerness and lack of hesitation when consuming liquids, and this behavior may have been associated with a similar attitude in humans. The phrase "lap up" effectively captures the idea of someone eagerly accepting or enjoying something without reservation.
The idiom "lap up" can be used to describe a wide range of situations or actions. For example, someone might "lap up" compliments or praise, indicating that they readily accept and enjoy being praised. Similarly, a person might "lap up" attention or adoration, suggesting that they eagerly soak up the admiration or affection of others. In these cases, the idiom conveys a sense of someone relishing and appreciating the positive attention or feedback they receive.
Furthermore, "lap up" can also be used to describe someone who unquestioningly accepts information or ideas, often with a lack of critical thinking. This usage implies that the person is uncritically accepting and internalizing the information without considering its validity or potential flaws. The idiom suggests a willingness to believe or accept something without skepticism or scrutiny, akin to a dog quickly and eagerly drinking water without analyzing its quality or source.
When we think about how "lap up" is related to other idioms, we can consider the phrase "grab by the lapels." This idiom is often used to describe a forceful or assertive action, typically in the context of a confrontational or intense situation. It conveys the idea of grabbing someone's attention or forcefully expressing oneself. In contrast, "lap up" conveys a more passive and receptive attitude, suggesting a willingness to accept rather than assert.
Another related idiom is "hoover up," which means to consume or absorb something quickly and completely, just as a vacuum cleaner rapidly sucks up dirt. While both "hoover up" and "lap up" convey an action of rapid consumption, "hoover up" implies a more intense and thorough absorption, whereas "lap up" suggests a more relaxed and casual enjoyment.
One might also consider the idiom "lap of luxury." This phrase describes a state of extreme comfort, abundance, and luxury. When someone is said to be living in the "lap of luxury," they are enjoying the highest level of indulgence and opulence. In this context, "lap up" conveys the idea of eagerly and luxuriously embracing the comforts and pleasures of a lavish lifestyle.
Lastly, we have the idiom "lap dog," which refers to a small dog that is kept primarily as a companion and is often carried in someone's lap. This phrase can be used metaphorically to describe someone who is subservient or overly dependent on another person, always seeking their approval or favor. In relation to "lap up," this idiom suggests a similar sense of unquestioning acceptance and eagerness to please, akin to a lap dog eagerly staying close to its owner and complying with their every command or desire.
It is worth noting that the idiomatic phrase "lap up" is informal and often used in colloquial speech. While its meaning is generally understood, it may not be commonly used in more formal or academic settings. Additionally, the idiom can vary in its intensity; someone may "lap up" something to a greater or lesser degree depending on their level of enthusiasm or acceptance.
The idiom "lap up" conveys the idea of eagerly accepting or enjoying something, often without much thought or discernment. It draws upon the behavior of a dog lapping up water, symbolizing an enthusiastic and uncritical acceptance. The versatility of this idiomatic phrase allows it to be applied to various situations where someone eagerly accepts praise, attention, or information. While its use is informal, the idiom effectively captures the notion of someone wholeheartedly embracing something without reservation or skepticism.
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom "lap up" can be used in a sentence:
- She lapped up the attention from the crowd as she performed her final song.
- He lapped up every word of his favorite author's new book, reading it in one sitting.
- The dog lapped up the spilled milk from the floor.
More "Verb" idioms
