dig up: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘dig up’ mean?
The idiom "dig up" means to uncover or discover information or facts that were previously unknown or forgotten.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "look up" means to search for information or seek clarification. It is often used when someone wants to find a specific piece of information or research a topic to gain a better understanding.
The idiom "expose oneself" means to reveal or make known something that was previously hidden or secret, often in an embarrassing or vulnerable way.
The idiom "dish the dirt" means to share or reveal gossip or negative information about someone. It is often used when someone is talking about another person's personal or private matters in a negative or judgmental way.
To "dig up dirt" means to uncover or find damaging or incriminating information about someone or something.
The idiom "dig out of a hole" means to extricate oneself from a difficult or challenging situation through effort and determination.
The idiom "dig one's own grave" means to do something that will ultimately lead to one's own downfall or ruin.
"Dig oneself in a hole" means to get oneself into a difficult or embarrassing situation, usually as a result of one's own actions or words.
The idiom "dig in" means to start eating eagerly or to begin working hard or with determination.
The idiom "dig deep" means to make a great effort, especially in terms of mental or physical strength, to overcome a challenge or difficulty.
Decoding "Dig Up"
Idiom: dig up
The primary meaning of the idiom "dig up" is to excavate or unearth something from the ground. This usage is derived from the literal act of digging up dirt or objects buried beneath the surface. In this sense, "dig up" is commonly used in the fields of archaeology, paleontology, construction, and gardening.
The idiom "dig up dirt" is related to the primary meaning of "dig up". It means to find or uncover unsavory information about someone, usually with the intention of damaging their reputation. This phrase is often used in gossip or investigative journalism.
A figurative meaning of "dig up" is to uncover, discover, or bring to light information or secrets that were previously hidden or unknown. This usage implies the act of delving into a subject or pursuing investigations to unveil facts or details. It is commonly employed in journalistic, legal, and detective contexts. Individuals may also use this idiom informally to express the act of finding or revealing information.
The idiom "come to light" is related to this figurative meaning of "dig up". It means that something has been discovered or revealed, often after being hidden or unknown for a period of time. This phrase can be used in various situations, such as when new evidence is uncovered in a criminal investigation or when a previously unknown fact is revealed.
Another related usage of "dig up" is to exhume or disinter a buried body. This usage is specific to the context of digging up a deceased person's remains, often for identification, examination, or relocation.
The idiom "dig out of a hole" is related to the primary meaning of "dig up". It means to extricate oneself from a difficult or challenging situation. Just as digging out of a physical hole requires effort and perseverance, digging out of a metaphorical hole requires determination and problem-solving skills. This idiom is often used to describe overcoming financial or personal setbacks.
"Dig up" is also employed in a more casual sense, to mean retrieving or finding something that was lost or misplaced. This usage implies searching or rummaging through one's belongings or a particular location to recover the desired item. For example, one might say, "I need to dig up my car keys."
The idiom "look up" is related to this casual meaning of "dig up". It means to search for information in a reference source or database, usually in order to find an answer to a question or clarify a fact. This phrase is commonly used when conducting research or seeking knowledge on a particular topic.
In addition to these main uses, "dig up" can also be found in certain idiomatic expressions or phrases. For instance, the phrase "dig up the past" is used to refer to the act of revisiting or dredging up old memories, events, or issues. This phrase is often used when discussing historical events, personal relationships, or unresolved conflicts.
The idiom "dig up" encompasses various meanings and usages, ranging from the literal act of excavating to the figurative act of uncovering information, finding lost items, or exhuming the deceased. The versatility of this idiom allows for its application in different contexts, making it a commonly used expression in both formal and informal situations.
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom "dig up" can be used in a sentence are:
- I need to dig up my old tax returns.
- The archaeologists are planning to dig up the ancient ruins.
- If you want to find out the truth, you'll have to dig up all the evidence.
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