dig
dig / dig/ • v. (dig·ging; past dug / dəg/ ) 1. [intr.] break up and move earth with a tool or machine, or with hands, paws, snout, etc.: the boar had been digging for roots | [tr.] she had to dig the garden | authorities cause chaos by digging up roads. ∎ [tr.] make (a hole, grave, etc.) by breaking up and moving earth in such a way: he took a spade and dug a hole | [as adj.] (dug) the newly dug grave. ∎ [tr.] extract from the ground by breaking up and moving earth: they dug up fossils of an animal about the size of a turkey. ∎ (dig in) (of a soldier) protect oneself by making a trench or similar ground defense. ∎ [in imper.] (dig in) inf. used to encourage someone to start eating with gusto and have as much as they want: put the sausage on top of the polenta; then dig in. ∎ [tr.] (dig something in/into) push or poke something in or into: he dug his hands into his pockets. ∎ [tr.] excavate (an archaeological site): apart from digging a site, recording evidence is important. ∎ [tr.] (dig something out) bring out something that is hidden or has been stored for a long time: they dug out last year's notes. ∎ (dig into) inf. find money from (somewhere): members have to dig deep into their pockets. ∎ [intr.] search or rummage in a specified place: Catherine dug into her handbag and produced her card. ∎ engage in research; conduct an investigation: a professional digging for information | he had no compunction about digging into her private affairs. ∎ [tr.] (dig something up/out) discover information after a search or investigation: have you dug up any information on the captain?2. [tr.] inf., dated like, appreciate, or understand: I really dig heavy rock.• n. 1. [in sing.] an act or spell of digging: a thorough dig of the whole plot. ∎ an archaeological excavation.2. a push or poke with one's elbow, finger, etc.: Ginnie gave her sister a dig in the ribs. ∎ inf. a remark intended to mock or criticize: this was a cruel dig at Jenny. PHRASES: dig up dirt inf. discover and reveal damaging information about someone.dig oneself into a hole (or dig a hole for oneself) get oneself into an awkward or restrictive situation.dig in one's heels resist stubbornly; refuse to give in: he has dug in his heels and refuses to leave.dig's one's own grave see grave1 .