grub up
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Verb: 1. To dig up or remove something from the ground, especially roots, stumps, or other embedded objects. This action typically involves using tools to extract something that is buried or firmly fixed in the earth.
Usage
The verb "grub up" is used to describe the physical action of removing something by digging. It often implies the object is unwanted or that the ground is being cleared. * We need to grub up the old tree stumps before we can plant the new lawn. * The farmer spent the afternoon grubbing up weeds from the vegetable patch.
Advanced Usage
- Figurative Use: While less common, "grub up" can be used figuratively to mean to uncover or bring to light something that was hidden or forgotten, often with effort.
- The journalist managed to grub up some old documents that changed the course of the investigation.
Variants and Related Words
- Grub (verb): To dig or search in the ground, often by turning over soil. It can also mean to search for something in a messy, rummaging way.
- The pigs were grubbing for truffles.
- He grubbed around in the drawer looking for a pen.
Synonyms
- Dig up
- Uproot
- Excavate
- Extract
Related Phrasal Verbs
- Grub out: This has a very similar meaning to "grub up," emphasizing the removal of something by digging.
- They had to grub out the invasive plant species to protect the native flowers.
Verb
- dig up
- grub up roots and tree stumps