dig

1 verb past tense and past participle dug, present participle digging

1 (I, T) to move earth or make a hole in it using a spade or your hands: They escaped by digging an underground tunnel. | dig for sth (=dig in order to find something): They're digging for treasure.

2 (T) to remove vegetables from under the earth using a spade: She's digging potatoes at the moment.

3 (T) old-fashioned to like something: I really dig that dress!

4 dig your own grave to do something that will cause serious problems for you in the future

5 dig sb in the ribs to touch someone with your elbow, especially because you want them to notice something amusing

dig in phrasal verb

1 (transitive dig something in) to mix something into soil by digging: I need to dig some manure in before I plant the potatoes.

2 dig your heels in to refuse to do something in spite of other people's efforts to persuade you

3 (I) informal to start eating food that is in front of you: Dig in! There's plenty for everyone!

4 (I, T) if soldiers dig in or dig themselves in, they make a protected place for themselves by digging

dig into phrasal verb

1 (transitive dig something into something) to mix something into soil by digging: Dig some fertilizer into the soil first.

2 (intransitive, transitive dig something into something) to push hard into something, or to make something do this: Her nails were digging into his arm.

3 (transitive dig into something) to start using a supply of something, especially money: I'm going to have to dig into my savings again.

dig sth out phrasal verb (T)

1 to get something out of a place, using a spade or your hands: We had to dig the car out of a snow drift.

2 to find something you have not seen for a long time, or that is not easy to find: I must remember to dig out that book for you.

dig sth up phrasal verb (T)

1 to remove something from under the earth using a spade: I'll dig up that plant and move it.

2 to find hidden or forgotten information by careful searching: They tried to dig up something from his past to spoil his chances of being elected.

2 noun

1 give sb a dig to push someone quickly and lightly with your finger or elbow: John's falling asleep - give him a dig will you?

2 (C) a joke or remark that you make to annoy or criticize someone

(+ at): I thought that last comment was a dig at the boss.

3 (C) the process of digging in an ancient place in order to find objects for study: an archaeological dig

4 digs (plural) BrE old-fashioned a room that you pay rent to live in