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to dig into

to dig into

70 3.7
To look at something carefully, often by searching under the surface
  • phrasal verb
  • /dɪɡ ˈɪntu/
  • Informal
translation icon : indagar en
  • To understand the problem better, we should dig into the data from the last few years.
  • dig deeper into
  • dig deep into
  • dig into a problem

But let's first dig into some of your feedback for me.

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Examples

  • The journalist decided to dig into the allegations to find the truth behind the scandal.

  • The archaeologists needed to dig into the site to uncover the ancient artifacts.

  • I want to dig into his past.

  • But let's first dig into some of your feedback for me.

  • I'd love to dig into where that comes from.

  • And so today you and I are digging into the topic of happiness.

  • Have you guys been digging into this whole issue of voter fraud?

  • But first, I really want to dig into what's happening in an ADHD brain.

  • Most importantly, they're not taking the time to dig into the price trends.

  • Only one way to find out, but it's time to dig into this gigantic crate.

Synonyms

to investigate
vsto dig into
2.8

To look carefully at something to find facts

adds physical below surface searching to careful study when needed
to look into
vsto dig into
573 2.8

Examine something carefully to find out more

is typically deeper and can involve below surface or practical searching
to explore
vsto dig into
471 2.3

To study something carefully to learn more about it

is more often used for hands-on below surface searches rather than ideas
to dig up
vsto dig into
139 2.0

To take something out of the ground by digging

is more general and includes thorough study beyond ground retrieval
to get to the bottom of
vsto dig into
137 3.9

Find the real reason for a problem by checking carefully

is also used for hands-on below surface searching to find evidence
to delve
vsto dig into
61 4.7

To look deeply into a subject to find information

is more about searching that can involve physical below surface work
to dig deep
vsto dig into
43 4.4

Search carefully to find hidden facts or details

is used for both physical below surface searching and deep inquiry
to penetrate
vsto dig into
36 6.4

Understand the true meaning or nature of something

is more about practical or physical searching beneath surfaces than feeling
to excavate
vsto dig into
28 5.8

To dig in the ground to find or remove old objects, often by archaeologists

is broader and includes non-specialist below surface searches and study
to probe
vsto dig into
23 4.6

To examine something with a thin instrument often by touch

is broader, applying to either thorough study or hands-on below surface search
to dig out
vsto dig into
21 3.4

Find and take out something that is hidden or forgotten

is more about thorough examination and may not require physical removal
to unearth
vsto dig into
18 4.2

To dig up something buried in the ground

is broader, applying to both practical below surface searches and deep inquiry
to ferret out
vsto dig into
  • Informal
13 6.7

To search carefully to find hidden facts or documents

is wider, also covering careful below surface searching without long persistence
to drill down
vsto dig into
11 4.8

To look closely at information by breaking it into smaller parts

is less technical and also covers physical below surface searching
to plumb
vsto dig into
7 7.4

To examine something deeply to learn more about it

is often used for physical below surface searching as well as study
to probe deeper
vsto dig into
1 4.4

To look into something more carefully to find hidden facts

adds practical below surface searching as well as deeper questioning
to poke into
vsto dig into
  • Informal
1 5.1

To look closely at something by touching or prodding it

is more thorough and intentional, not merely casual checking
1 5.7

To look below the surface to find the real reasons

is more focused on actual below surface or physical searching for facts
to plumb the depth
vsto dig into
7.9

To examine something carefully to find hidden details

is more likely to involve physical below surface searching to reveal facts
to drill into the detail
vsto dig into
6.3

To look closely at the small parts of a plan or report to understand it

is broader and can mean practical below surface searching as well

Antonyms

1.0

Choose not to pay attention to someone or something

256 3.8

Fail to care for someone or something you should look after

How Thorough

to probe
  • Literature
35 5.1
to dig into
  • Informal
70 3.7
to investigate
2.8
to scan
127 2.7
to glance
299 1.5

Surface Forms

dig into infinitive
digging into present participle
digs into third person singular
dug into past
dug into past participle

Morphology

dig + into

The meaning 'to examine or investigate thoroughly' is directly derivable from combining 'dig' (to move into or remove material) with 'into' (movement into something): the literal sense of digging into something maps transparently onto investigating or probing a subject. This motion/penetration metaphor is common across languages and in English is a regular verb + preposition composition, so a B1 learner who knows both constituents will likely infer the MWE's meaning.

Etymology

Dig into comes from the image of using a shovel to dig into the ground to find hidden things like roots or treasure. So it now means 'to examine' or 'to investigate' something closely beneath the surface.