dig into

verb

dug into; digging into; digs into

1

: to mix (something) into (soil) by digging

dig the compost into the soil

2

informal : to begin eating (something)

The family was digging into a delicious meal.

They dug into their steaks.

3

somewhat informal : to try to learn or uncover information by studying (something)

The detectives dug into his past and learned that he had once lived in another country.

4

: to push against (a body part) in a sharp and painful way

The bed's springs are digging into my back.

Her fingernails dug into my hand.

5

: to push (something) into (a body part) in a sharp and painful way

She dug her fingernails into my hand.

He dug his elbow into my ribs.