Definition

Verb: 1. To remove something from the ground by digging: To excavate and take out something that is buried. 2. To discover or find something, especially information or facts, by searching or investigating: To uncover or bring to light something that was hidden, forgotten, or unknown.

Usage and Examples

• Literal meaning (excavating):
  • The archaeologists plan to dig up the ancient ruins next summer.
  • We had to dig up the old tree stump to plant a new one.
• Figurative meaning (discovering information):
  • The journalist managed to dig up some scandalous details about the politician's past.
  • I tried to dig up some old photos from my school days.

Advanced Usage

• "to dig up dirt (on someone)": To discover and reveal damaging or scandalous information about a person.
  • The tabloids are always trying to dig up dirt on celebrities.
• "to dig up the past": To remind people of unpleasant events that happened a long time ago.
  • I wish you wouldn't dig up the past. Let's focus on the future.

Variants and Related Words

• Dig (verb): The base form, meaning to break up and move earth.
• Excavate (verb): A more formal synonym for digging, often used in archaeological or construction contexts.
• Unearth (verb): To find something in the ground by digging; also used figuratively to mean discovering something hidden.

Synonyms

• Excavate: To dig out and remove earth or material.
• Uncover: To remove a covering or to discover something secret.
• Exhume: To dig out something buried, especially a corpse (more specific and formal).
• Disclose: To make new or secret information known (figurative sense).

Related Phrasal Verbs

• Dig into: To start eating eagerly, or to investigate something thoroughly.
  • He dug into the research, trying to find the truth.
• Dig out: To get something out by digging, or to find something after searching.
  • I need to dig out my winter coat from the back of the closet.

Related Idioms

• Dig your own grave: To do something that will cause serious problems for yourself in the future.
  • By lying to the boss, he's just digging his own grave.
• Dig deep: To make a great effort, especially to find money, courage, or strength.
  • We need to dig deep and find a way to finish this project on time.

Verb

1. remove, harvest, or recover by digging
   • dig salt
   • dig coal
2. find by digging in the ground
   • I dug up an old box in the garden