dig

 
Pronunciation: /dɪg/

verb (digging; past and past participle dug /dʌg/)

  • 1 [no object] break up and move earth with a tool or machine, or with hands, paws, snout, etc.: the boar had been digging for roots [with object]: she had to dig the garden authorities cause chaos by digging up roads
  • [with object] make (a hole, grave, etc.) by digging: he took a spade and dug a hole (as adjective dug) the newly dug grave
  • [with object and adverbial] extract from the ground by breaking up and moving earth: the water board came and dug the cable up
  • (dig in) (of a soldier) protect oneself by digging a trench or similar ground defence.
  • (dig in) informal begin eating heartily.
  • [with object] excavate (an archaeological site): apart from digging a site, recording evidence is important
  • 2 [with object] push or poke sharply: he dug his hands into his pockets
  • [no object, with adverbial] search or rummage in a specified place: Catherine dug into her handbag and produced her card
  • [no object] engage in research; conduct an investigation: he had no compunction about digging into her private affairs
  • (dig something up/out) bring out or discover something after a search or investigation: they dug out last year’s notes have you dug up any information on the captain?
  • 3 [with object] informal like, appreciate, or understand: I really dig heavy rock

noun

  • 1 [in singular] an act or spell of digging: a thorough dig of the whole plot
  • [count noun] an archaeological excavation.
  • 2a push or poke with one’s elbow, finger, etc.: Ginnie gave her sister a dig in the ribs
  • informal a remark intended to mock or criticize: she never missed an opportunity to have a dig at him

Phrases

dig the dirt (or dig up dirt)

informal discover and reveal damaging information about someone.

dig a hole for oneself (or dig oneself into a hole)

get oneself into an awkward or restrictive situation.

dig in one's heels (or toes or feet)

resist stubbornly; refuse to give in: officials dug their heels in on particular points

dig a pit for

see pit1

dig's one's own grave

see grave1

Origin:

Middle English: perhaps from Old English dīc 'ditch'