Definition

Verb (transitive) 1. To apply or spread a substance using a sponge: This meaning refers to the physical act of using a sponge to put a liquid or semi-liquid material onto a surface. 2. To live or obtain benefits from someone else without giving anything in return; to be a parasite: This figurative meaning describes taking advantage of another person's generosity, resources, or hospitality in a persistent, uninvited, or lazy manner.

Usage and Examples

• Literal Meaning (to apply with a sponge):

  • To create a textured effect, sponge on the glaze in circular motions.
  • The artist sponged on a thin layer of watercolor to form the soft background.

• Figurative Meaning (to live off someone):

  • He's been sponging on his parents for years instead of getting a job.
  • She felt her cousin was just sponging on her hospitality and had no intention of leaving.

Advanced Usage

• The figurative use often implies a sense of exploitation and laziness on the part of the subject. The person being "sponged on" is typically seen as a victim of this one-sided relationship.
• The preposition "on" is essential and followed by the person or group being taken advantage of (e.g., sponge on , sponge on ).

Variants and Related Words

• Sponge (verb): Can be used similarly, often with "off" (e.g., ).
• Sponger (noun): A person who lives by sponging on others.
• Mooch (verb): A more informal synonym for the figurative meaning.

Synonyms

• For the figurative meaning: Live off, freeload, leech off, bum off, parasite on, scrounge from.

Related Phrasal Verbs

• Sponge off (someone): Functionally identical to "sponge on" in its figurative sense. (e.g., ).

Related Idioms

• To live off the backs of others: To benefit from the hard work of others without contributing oneself. This is a stronger, more critical idiom with a similar meaning to "sponge on."

Verb

1. apply with a sponge
   • The painter sponged on his washes