sponge up
B1 neutral separable transitive
In simple words
To use a sponge to soak up a spilled liquid
Literal meaning: To absorb liquid upward from a surface using a sponge — fully transparent
Meanings
1 B1 neutral
To absorb a spilled liquid from a surface using a sponge
"He quickly sponged up the spilled coffee before it stained the tablecloth."
Grammar: separable
Usage notes
Used in practical, domestic contexts. The 'up' particle emphasizes complete absorption — taking all the liquid up from the surface. Straightforward and literal in meaning. Less commonly used figuratively than 'soak up.'
Commonly used with
water spill liquid mess juice puddle
Forms
Base
sponge up
I/you/we/they
3rd person
sponges up
he/she/it
Past simple
sponged up
yesterday
Past participle
sponged up
have + pp
-ing form
sponging up
continuous
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Synonyms
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