lap it up

USAGE SUMMARY

"lap it up" can be used in written English.
It is an informal expression that means to eagerly accept or enjoy something. It can be used in various contexts, but typically refers to someone enthusiastically enjoying something that may be seen as excessive or indulgent. For example: - After a long day at work, all I want to do is go home, put on my pajamas, and lap up a bowl of ice cream. - The cat is lapping up the attention from all the guests at the party. - He couldn't resist lapping up the luxury of staying at a five-star hotel. - The audience lapped up every word of the comedian's stand-up routine.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

Teenagers lap it up.

The Economist

Celebrities lap it up.

Independent

Lap it up, lads.

Independent

You lap it up.

The New York Times

Others will lap it up.

The Guardian - Music

And we'll lap it up.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

And we lap it up.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

Readers are lapping it up.

The Economist

Meanwhile, everyone laps it up.

Independent

They are lapping it up.

The Economist

Still, Americans lapped it up.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "lap it up" to convey enthusiasm or enjoyment, particularly when describing how an audience receives entertainment or information.

Common error

Avoid using "lap it up" in formal documents or professional correspondence. Opt for more sophisticated vocabulary to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lap it up" functions as an idiomatic verb phrase. According to Ludwig, it signifies eagerly accepting or enjoying something. It often describes how an audience receives something, like entertainment or information, with enthusiasm.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Wiki

10%

Science

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "lap it up" is an informal idiom meaning to eagerly accept or enjoy something. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage, particularly in News & Media. While versatile, it's best to avoid using "lap it up" in formal writing. Consider alternatives like "relish it" or "devour it" in professional contexts. Remember, while people might "lap it up" in casual scenarios, professionalism sometimes calls for a different approach.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

relish it

Focuses more on savoring or appreciating something deeply.

eat it up

Similar in meaning, but can sometimes imply gullibility or naivety.

devour it

Implies consuming something, either literally or figuratively, with great enthusiasm.

soak it up

Suggests absorbing something, often information or an experience, with eagerness.

embrace it

Highlights acceptance and welcoming of something, often a challenge or change.

welcome it with open arms

Emphasizes the enthusiastic and positive reception of something.

take to it like a duck to water

Suggests a natural affinity and ease in adopting something.

jump at the chance

Highlights the eagerness to seize an opportunity.

eat out of your hand

Describes someone readily accepting whatever is offered or dictated.

thrive on it

Indicates flourishing or excelling as a result of something.

FAQs

How to use "lap it up" in a sentence?

You can use "lap it up" to describe someone enthusiastically receiving something, for example, "The audience "lapped it up" during the comedian's performance."

What does it mean to "lap something up"?

To "lap something up" means to receive or accept something with great enthusiasm and enjoyment. It suggests a high level of eagerness and pleasure in the experience.

What can I say instead of "lap it up"?

You can use alternatives like "relish it", "devour it", or "soak it up" depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is "lap it up" formal or informal?

"Lap it up" is an informal expression. It is best suited for casual conversations and less formal writing contexts. For professional or academic settings, consider more formal alternatives.