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

However, the true goal is to empower people—giving professionals more time and tools to dig into meaningful, fulfilling work; better serve customers; and connect, collaborate and create in new and powerful ways. —Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 30 Apr. 2025

This rake features super-sharp teeth to dig into any type of soil. —Renee Freemon Mulvihill, Better Homes & Gardens, 29 Apr. 2025

Tony Lam digs into a full spread of Vietnamese dishes. —Anh Do, Los Angeles Times, 29 Apr. 2025

The top has loose, 3/4-sleeves, and the accompanying wide-leg pants have an elastic waistband that doesn’t dig into my stomach. —Robin Raven, Travel + Leisure, 27 Apr. 2025

Rhymes for dig into

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