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
Sentimental Value starlet Elle Fanning dug into the archives for her Critics' Choice Awards look.
—
Kevin Huynh, InStyle, 4 Jan. 2026
The Lakers are digging into their bench while injuries pile up.
—Los Angeles Times, 3 Jan. 2026
Many of the changes — such as tax breaks on tips and overtime — generated big headlines, but the real trick for taxpayers will involve digging into the tiny details.
—Susan Tompor, USA Today, 1 Jan. 2026
Outside spoke to Stockton, other members of YOSAR, and a park spokesperson to dig into the statistics, and to try to understand why rescues were up in 2025.
—Gavin Feek, Outside, 31 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for dig into
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.
Kevin Huynh, InStyle, 4 Jan. 2026
The Lakers are digging into their bench while injuries pile up.
—Los Angeles Times, 3 Jan. 2026
Many of the changes — such as tax breaks on tips and overtime — generated big headlines, but the real trick for taxpayers will involve digging into the tiny details.
—Susan Tompor, USA Today, 1 Jan. 2026
Outside spoke to Stockton, other members of YOSAR, and a park spokesperson to dig into the statistics, and to try to understand why rescues were up in 2025.
—Gavin Feek, Outside, 31 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for dig into
Cite this Entry
“Dig into.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dig%20into. Accessed 7 Jan. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share