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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 . |
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Cite this article
"dig." The Oxford Pocket Dictionary of Current English. 2009. Encyclopedia.com. 28 May. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>. "dig." The Oxford Pocket Dictionary of Current English. 2009. Encyclopedia.com. (May 28, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O999-dig.html "dig." The Oxford Pocket Dictionary of Current English. 2009. Retrieved May 28, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O999-dig.html |
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dig
dig XIII. ME. digge, perh. f. OE. *dīċiġian, f. dīċ DITCH. Orig. weak (digged); the new dug appears XVI.
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Cite this article
T. F. HOAD. "dig." The Concise Oxford Dictionary of English Etymology. 1996. Encyclopedia.com. 28 May. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>. T. F. HOAD. "dig." The Concise Oxford Dictionary of English Etymology. 1996. Encyclopedia.com. (May 28, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O27-dig.html T. F. HOAD. "dig." The Concise Oxford Dictionary of English Etymology. 1996. Retrieved May 28, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O27-dig.html |
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dig
dig dig oneself into a hole get oneself into an awkward or restrictive situation.
dig in one's heels or toes resist stubbornly. |
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Cite this article
ELIZABETH KNOWLES. "dig." The Oxford Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 2006. Encyclopedia.com. 28 May. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>. ELIZABETH KNOWLES. "dig." The Oxford Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 2006. Encyclopedia.com. (May 28, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O214-dig.html ELIZABETH KNOWLES. "dig." The Oxford Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 2006. Retrieved May 28, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O214-dig.html |
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dig
dig
•big, brig, dig, fig, frig, gig, grig, jig, lig, pig, prig, rig, snig, sprig, swig, tig, trig, twig, Whig, wig
•Liebig • shindig • whirligig
•thingamajig • Pfennig • Gehrig
•thimblerig • Meurig • oilrig • Leipzig
•Schleswig • bigwig • periwig • Ludwig
•earwig • Danzig • Zagazig
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Cite this article
"dig." Oxford Dictionary of Rhymes. 2007. Encyclopedia.com. 28 May. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>. "dig." Oxford Dictionary of Rhymes. 2007. Encyclopedia.com. (May 28, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O233-dig.html "dig." Oxford Dictionary of Rhymes. 2007. Retrieved May 28, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O233-dig.html |
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