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

The contoured waistband stays in place and holds you in without digging into skin, while the medium-compression fabric delivers a smoothing effect that’s flattering from the waist down. —Sophie Dodd, Travel + Leisure, 28 Jan. 2026

This week’s STATus Report digs into how and why gas stations became the perfect marketplace for these quasi-legal substances. —Alex Hogan, STAT, 28 Jan. 2026

Their high waistband sits just above the belly button and smooths your sides without digging into your skin. —Sian Babish, PEOPLE, 27 Jan. 2026

Both parties have once again dug into seemingly intractable positions. —Zachary Schermele, USA Today, 27 Jan. 2026

Rhymes for dig into

• amadou
• avenue
• ballyhoo
• baraboo
• barbecue
• barbeque
• bugaboo
• cabildo
• caribou
• cockatoo
• detinue
• devalue