sank in
Became fully understood
When something sinks in, it gradually becomes understood or felt.
News or information sinks in after the initial shock passes: It took a few days for the reality of the diagnosis to sink in.
The phrase suggests comprehension settling into the mind like an object settling into soft ground.
- fell inCollapsed or joined ranks
- comprehendedMentally absorbed meaning
- realizedBecame aware of
- penetratedPassed into or through
- went inMoved to interior
penny dropped · got through · submerged · immersed · registered · absorbed · understood · grasped · stuck · buried · connected · resonated · embedded · settled · took root · lingered · set in · impacted
mental comprehension
sank inbounced off
fell on deaf ears · missed the point · eluded · escaped · drew a blank