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
Their wide waistband stays put all day and won’t dig into your sides.
—
Sian Babish, PEOPLE, 12 Jan. 2026
Carried up to a size 3X and on sale in 10 colors and patterns—including seven neutrals—this tank top has a seamless construction that won’t chafe or dig into you while training, as well as grippers along the inner hem that prevent it from riding up.
—Amelia McBride, Travel + Leisure, 11 Jan. 2026
Detective Matt Hutchison has spent years digging into the toughest cold cases to deliver answers to families waiting for decades.
—Mason Leath, ABC News, 9 Jan. 2026
Some dug into the dirt with shovels and others with bare hands.
—Wafaa Shurafa, Los Angeles Times, 9 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for dig into
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Sian Babish, PEOPLE, 12 Jan. 2026
Carried up to a size 3X and on sale in 10 colors and patterns—including seven neutrals—this tank top has a seamless construction that won’t chafe or dig into you while training, as well as grippers along the inner hem that prevent it from riding up.
—Amelia McBride, Travel + Leisure, 11 Jan. 2026
Detective Matt Hutchison has spent years digging into the toughest cold cases to deliver answers to families waiting for decades.
—Mason Leath, ABC News, 9 Jan. 2026
Some dug into the dirt with shovels and others with bare hands.
—Wafaa Shurafa, Los Angeles Times, 9 Jan. 2026
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 16 Jan. 2026.
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