dig
noun
Definitions of dig noun
remark
- Countable
A remark intended to criticize, tease, or make a joke at someone's expense.
He always makes little digs at me.
She couldn't resist taking a dig at him.
Their conversation was full of subtle digs.
process
- Countable
The process of carefully excavating soil and objects from an area of archaeological or historical significance.
They are conducting an archaeological dig.
The dig site yielded many ancient artifacts.
Participating in a dig can be hard work.
Phrases of dig noun
- digs
Informal term for a place to live, especially rented rooms or an apartment.
• Having just moved to this city, I'm looking for some comfortable digs.
verb
Definitions of dig verb
move soil
- B1TransitiveIntransitive
To break up and move soil using a tool, machine, or hands.
I need to dig a hole in the backyard to plant a tree.
They spent all day digging in the garden.
Digging with a shovel is hard work.
- B2Transitive
To create a hole or tunnel by removing soil.
The workers are digging a new tunnel underground.
The turtle dug a hole in the sand to lay its eggs.
They dug a deep well with a drilling machine.
search
- IntransitiveVerb + adv/prep
To search or investigate thoroughly in order to find something or information.
He started to dig into the details of the case.
We need to dig deeper into the data to find the problem.
She dug through all the files to find the evidence.
approve
- Transitiveold-fashioned
To like or understand something, especially something that is fashionable or trendy.
I really dig the rhythm of this song.
Do you dig what I'm saying?
She really digs his talent.
Phrases of dig verb
- dig someone in the ribs
To nudge someone in the ribs with your elbow, often to share a private joke or get their attention.
• During the meeting, John saw the boss fall asleep and dug Tom in the ribs, sharing a knowing glance.
Idioms
- dig yourself into a hole
To create a problematic situation for oneself, which becomes increasingly difficult to escape or resolve.
• He kept lying, and as a result, he dug himself into a hole.
- dig your own grave
To act in a way that creates significant problems or harm for oneself, sometimes with severe consequences.
• He is constantly criticizing his manager in the office, which is like digging his own grave.
- dig your heels in
To stubbornly refuse to change one's plans or ideas, especially when facing persuasion from others.
• Despite everyone advising her to reconsider, she dug her heels in and refused to abandon the plan.
- dig (deep) into your pocket(s)/resources/savings
To spend or use one's money, savings, or resources, often reluctantly, in order to address a problem or meet a need.
• We had to dig deep into our savings to support the charity.
Phrasal Verbs of dig
- dig something up
to remove something from the ground using digging techniques
• The archaeologists dug up many valuable artifacts at the ancient site.
- dig something out
to locate an item that has not been seen or utilized for an extensive period
• I dug out some old photographs from the attic.
- dig in
to begin consuming food
• After a brief prayer before the meal, they dug in.
- dig (yourself) in
to prepare defenses for yourself against enemy attack in a wartime scenario, such as by creating trenches.
• They decided to dig in to protect themselves against the approaching storm.
- dig (something) into someone/something
to firmly press or push something into someone or something with force
• He dug the heavy book into her arm, causing her discomfort.
- dig someone/something out
to extract a person or object from a place by means of digging
• They had to dig out the trapped climber.