dig up
Idioms-
Search out, find, obtain, as in I'm sure I can dig up a few more supporters . [Mid-1800s]
-
. Find derogatory information about someone or something. For example, The editor assigned him to dig up all the dirt on the candidates . The slangy use of the noun dirt for “embarrassing or scandalous information” dates from about 1840, but this metaphoric expression is a century newer.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Last year, police spent several days digging up the grounds of the farm in a failed attempt to locate her remains.
From BBC
Rishi Sunak has said more fines and inspections will crack down on utility companies which leave behind potholes after digging up roads.
From BBC
Bulldozers started digging up bodies and a Brazilian geographer was flown in to identify them.
From BBC
Apple farmers in Kent are digging up their orchards in the face of stagnant returns on the fruit.
From BBC
Tap or click for the steps to do a thorough background check on yourself, so you know what others can dig up.
From Fox News
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
