sink in

Gradually become clear

When something sinks in, it gradually becomes understood or fully absorbed by the mind.

The phrase describes that moment when information, news, or a realization finally registers after initial shock or confusion.

It took a few days for the news of her promotion to sink in.

Let that sink in for a moment.

The expression draws on the image of something slowly penetrating a surface, like water soaking into soil.

Related

clarify · realization · light bulb moment · absorb · apprehend · come home · register · marinate · take root · get through · awareness · epiphany · grasp · click · comprehension · take hold · learn · recognition

Categories
Opposites
comprehension process

sink inescape

Flight from captivity

miss · bounce off · go in one ear and out the other · elude · whoosh

retention

sink ingo in one ear and out the other

Heard without being remembered

slip away · bounce off · fade · evaporate · wash over

physical movement

sink inrise up

Rebel collectively against power

emerge · surface · come out · pop out · bob up

Family

sinking

Familiarity
Top 20,000
Profile
Known to kids · Used worldwide · Timeless · Everyday, not technical · Rated G