dig into

phrasal 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.

Examples of dig into in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The councilman said there needs to be more work done to dig into whether overtime was necessary or not. City News Service, Daily News, 22 Jan. 2026 These are some of the best jeans for travel, too, since the low-rise waist won’t dig into your midsection and the legs are roomy enough to sit in a car or on a plane. Emma Greene, InStyle, 21 Jan. 2026 Plus, the shorts didn’t dig into my thighs or feel overstimulating either. Olivia Dubyak, PEOPLE, 21 Jan. 2026 Soon, with the help of a grant from The Spencer Foundation, Acosta and a team of researchers were digging into the history of the Jeanes Supervisors and their role here in Florida. Raisa Habersham, Miami Herald, 21 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for dig into

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Cite this Entry

“Dig into.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dig%20into. Accessed 28 Jan. 2026.

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