Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English - dig

~1 v past tense and past participle dug, present participle digging 1 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 to remove vegetables from under the earth using a spade  (She's digging potatoes at the moment.) 3 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 phr v 1 T 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 informal to start eating food that is in front of you  (Dig in! There's plenty for everyone!) 4 if soldiers dig in or dig themselves in, they make a protected place for themselves by digging dig into phr v 1 T dig something into something) to mix something into soil by digging  (Dig some fertilizer into the soil first.) 2 T dig something into something) to push hard into something, or to make something do this  (Her nails were digging into his arm.) 3 T 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 phr v 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 phr v 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 n 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 a joke or remark that you make to annoy or criticize someone + a  (I thought that last comment was a dig at the boss.) 3 the process of digging in an ancient place in order to find objects for study  (an archaeological dig) 4 digs BrE old-fashioned a room that you pay rent to live in