PhrasesHub

soaked in

    Definitions

      • thoroughly immersed or saturated
        Describing something or someone that is completely drenched in a liquid

      • deeply involved or engrossed
        Referring to being deeply absorbed or engaged in a particular activity or subject

    Examples of soaked in

    • The painting was soaked in the vivid colors of sunset, each stroke of the brush capturing the fiery hues of orange and red.

      This usage of "soaked in" means that the painting is infused or imbued with the strong presence of the colors of the sunset, as if the colors have become a part of the very fabric of the painting itself.

    • The room was soaked in the sickly green light of the neon sign, casting an eerie glow across the dimly-lit interior.

      In this example, "soaked in" is used to convey that the room is completely immersed in the green light emanating from the neon sign, as if the room is completely bathed in the light's glow.

    • The air was soaked in the salty scent of the ocean, reminding her of the countless hours she'd spent on the shore as a child.

      Here, "soaked in" suggests that the air is saturated with the strong and distinct scent of the ocean, almost as if the air has absorbed the fragrance and is releasing it slowly.

    • The textbook was soaked in spilled coffee, leaving its pages a blurry mess of brown and black ink.

      This example demonstrates the sense of saturation that "soaked in" conveys, as the thick liquid of coffee has completely inundated the surface of the textbook, rendering its contents utterly unreadable.

    • The painting appeared to be soaked in emotions. The rich hues and bold strokes exuded a palpable sense of passion and longing, as if the very essence of the artist's soul was infused into every brushstroke.

      In this example, "soaked in emotions" is used metaphorically to describe the intense emotional resonance of the painting. It suggests that the emotions are not merely present in the painting but are deeply ingrained within it, as if they have been absorbed into the very fabric of the artwork itself.

    • The streets were soaked in rain. The pavement gleamed, and the air was thick with the scent of wet asphalt and petrichor. Cars sprayed rooster tails of water as they drove by, leaving behind a trail of illuminated splashes that lit up the dark pavement like a surreal neon dancefloor.

      This example uses "soaked in rain" to convey the intense downpour that has saturated the streets. It suggests that the rain has permeated not just the surface of the pavement but also the very atmosphere, altering it irreparably.

    • The room was soaked in silence, a heavy weight crushing the air like a blanket. The uneasy hush was punctuated only by the faint ticking of the clock and the distant hum of a passing car.

      In this example, "soaked in silence" is used to describe the suffocating stillness that hangs heavy in the air. It suggests that the silence is not merely present but is almost oppressive, weighing down on the environment and suffusing it with a sense of foreboding anticipation.

    • The air was soaked in a sickly sweet aroma, as if the very atmosphere was coated in cloying syrup. The odor clung to my senses like a slimy film, making me wrinkle my nose and feel nauseous.

      This example employs "soaked in" to describe the overwhelming scent that pervades the environment. It suggests that the smell has saturated the air to such an extent that it feels as if one could almost taste it. The word "sickly" heightens the distaste by suggesting that the scent is unpleasant and nauseating.


    Conclusion

    "Soaked in" can be used to describe literal situations where something is completely wet or figurative scenarios where someone is heavily involved in something. It conveys a sense of thorough immersion or deep engagement in a particular state or activity.

    Origin of "soaked in"

    The origin of the idiom "soaked in" can be traced back to the literal meaning of the word "soak," which means to make something thoroughly wet or saturated with liquid. Over time, the term evolved to also describe being deeply engaged or absorbed in something. The use of "soaked" in this context likely stems from the idea of being fully immersed or saturated in a particular experience or situation. The idiom has become a common way to express complete involvement or saturation in both literal and figurative senses.