quick study
sponge

He is said to be a quick study of just about everything.

She was one quick study, once a subject had her full attention.

Even the quick studies were good enough to frame, she thought.

Even so, those who work with her say she is a quick study on almost any topic.

Many of those were quick studies the artist would do at night with his eyes closed.

And I gather you've been a quick study ever since.

Sam was a quick study and he'd read his lines just right.

She hadn't expected that, and made another quick study of him, trying to find something familiar.

He gave each of them a quick study in turn.

So far, he has proven to be a quick study.