Dig at To make a sarcastic or teasing remark about someone or something. John always digs at his sister's fashion choices.

Dig through To search or rummage through something, usually with effort. I had to dig through a pile of clothes to find my favorite sweater.

Dig into (1) To investigate, examine, or scrutinize something in detail, typically in order to uncover more information, facts, or details. The journalists spent months digging into the corruption scandal, and finally published their findings last week. The detective decided to dig into the suspect's past to see if there were any other crimes that could be connected to the current case.

Dig into (2) To excavate or dig a hole or trench into something, often the ground. The city plans to dig into the ground to install a new sewer line. The utility company will need to dig into the street to repair a gas line.

Dig into (3) To begin eating something in a hearty or enthusiastic way. After the long hike, we were all starving and couldn't wait to dig into the sandwiches we'd packed for lunch. As soon as the server placed the plates on the table, the family dug into the heaping portions of barbecue ribs and brisket.

Dig into (4) To forcefully pierce or jab something into something else. The attacker dug his knife into the victim's back, causing a deep wound. The football player dug his cleats into the opposing player's leg, leaving a visible bruise. My daughter has a tendency to dig her elbow into my leg as she leans into me when I read to her.

Dig in (1) To take a determined and firm stance in the face of a challenge, conflict, or opposition. Despite mounting pressure to resign, the embattled governor has dug in and refused to step down. Neighbors are digging in against a developer's plan to build a high-rise apartment building in their quiet residential area. Animal rights activists are digging in against a proposed law that would make it easier for farmers to use antibiotics in livestock. Farmers and conservationists are digging in against a proposed oil pipeline that would cut through their land and threaten the local water supply.

Dig in (2) To prepare oneself for a challenging situation, or to get ready to face a difficult task or obstacle. As the COVID-19 pandemic drags on, many Americans are digging in for a long, difficult winter. As tensions between the US and China continue to rise, both sides appear to be digging in for a protracted trade war. With the 2020 presidential election approaching, Democrats and Republicans are digging in for what is expected to be a highly contentious and closely contested race.

Dig in (3) To start eating enthusiastically or to eat heartily. Dig in, everyone! Alright, everyone, the pizza's here, so let's dig in! Wow, this buffet has so many delicious options. Let's dig in and try a bit of everything!

Dig out (1) To excavate, remove, or uncover something or someone that is buried or concealed, often through the use of physical effort or tools. It took six hours to dig her out of the six-storey concrete apartment building that had collapsed. Firefighters had to dig out hydrants buried under snow so they could quickly access them in case of an emergency. Following a major snowstorm, crews were working to dig out the city's streets and clear the snowdrifts from highways. Rescue crews spent the day digging out a man and his dog after they were buried under an avalanche in the backcountry of the Sierra Nevada mountains. The archaeologist led a team of researchers to the site, where they began to dig out the remains of an ancient city that had been buried for centuries.

Dig out (2) To uncover or discover something that is difficult to find, often through investigation. The governor has tasked a team of investigators to dig out the truth behind the recent corruption scandal in city hall. Investigative journalists spent months digging out the facts behind a controversial policy decision that had been made by the state government.

Dig out (3) To search for or retrieve something that is hidden or difficult to access. I hate it when I have to dig something out that’s at the very bottom of my purse. I had to dig out my passport from a pile of papers on my desk before I could apply for the visa. I spent hours digging out old family photos from the attic, but it was worth it to find the one I was looking for.

Dig up (1) To excavate or remove something from the ground by digging. Police dug up the yard in search of the buried evidence. My dog loves to dig up bones that she buried in the backyard months ago. I was gardening in my backyard and accidentally dug up a buried treasure chest filled with old coins.

Dig up (2) To uncover or discover information or facts that were previously unknown or hidden. The journalist managed to dig up some new information about the scandal. Researchers are trying to dig up more information on the origins of the virus, in order to better understand how it spreads and how it can be prevented.