sink in

verb

1. (intr, adverb) to enter or penetrate the mind

   eventually the news sank in

Idioms and Phrases

Penetrate the mind, be absorbed, as in The news of the crash didn't sink in right away. [Late 1300s]

Example Sentences

On 16 November 1916, it struck a German mine off the island of Kea and sank in less than an hour.

From BBC

I think your mind doesn’t process it because it’s not really sinking in that this is what’s really happening.

From Los Angeles Times

In virtually every case, they are sinking in the polls and facing incoming fire from all directions, and now seem to hang by a thread over a dark electoral abyss.

From Salon

At least 32 people have died in Nigeria's northern Niger state after a boat sank in a river, an official has told the BBC.

From BBC

After the polar expedition with Scott, the ship continued in service and eventually sank in 1943 while carrying supplies to US bases during World War Two.

From BBC

Related Words

• affect 
• fathom 
• get through 
• touch