dig in

British  

verb

1. military to create (a defensive position) by digging foxholes, trenches, etc

2. informal to entrench (oneself) firmly

3. informal (intr) to defend or maintain a position firmly, as in an argument

4. informal (intr) to begin vigorously to eat

   don't wait, just dig in

5. informal to refuse stubbornly to move or be persuaded

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dig in Idioms  

1. Excavate trenches to defend oneself in battle and hold one's position, as in The battalion dug in and held on . This usage gained currency in the trench warfare of World War I. [Mid-1800s]

2. Also, dig in one's heels . Adopt a firm position, be obstinate and unyielding. For example, Arthur refused to argue the point and simply dug in , or The dog dug in its heels and refused to move . [ Colloquial ; late 1800s]

3. Begin to work intensively, as in If we all dig in it'll be done before dark. [ Colloquial ; second half of 1800s]

4. Also, dig into . Begin to eat heartily, as in Even before all the food was on the table they began to dig in , or When the bell rang, the kids all dug into their lunches . [ Colloquial ; early 1900s]

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Example Sentences

Siegrist went digging in a bucket full of coins and junk for a key chain.

From The Wall Street Journal

The moves to rebuild Russia and Ukraine’s battered militaries came alongside other signals that the countries, along with their supporters, are digging in on their respective sides.

From New York Times

But that debate is still months away, and for now, it appears Mr. Tuberville is digging in.

From New York Times

But supporters of the overhaul, who say it would finally break an elite stranglehold on the Supreme Court, are also digging in.

From Washington Post

It is at these moments that I dig in.

From Washington Post