dip into

British  

verb

1. to draw (upon)

   he dipped into his savings

2. to read (passages) at random or cursorily in (a book, newspaper, etc)

---

dip into Idioms  

1. Investigate superficially, as in He began to dip into Chaucer , or She's just dipping into psychology . This expression alludes to plunging briefly into a liquid. [Late 1600s]

2. Withdraw something in small amounts, usually money, as in I'll have to dip into my savings . This usage employs dip into in the sense of plunging one's hand or a ladle into a pot, water, or the like for the purpose of taking something out. [Early 1800s]

---

Example Sentences

This saw the capsule dip into the upper atmosphere, briefly climb again, then plunge back in so as to best cope with the heat, G-forces and splashdown accuracy needed.

From BBC • Mar. 31, 2026

Wander through Sundance Square, dip into a bar or two if that’s your thing, and don’t be surprised if your trip ends up feeling packed — in the best way — even midweek.

From Salon • Mar. 31, 2026

Oxford also doesn’t expect much of hit to consumer spending, as it anticipates households to dip into savings.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 25, 2026

If you do insist on tapping your retirement, use the cash, then move onto your Roth and, only as a last resort, dip into your traditional IRA.

From MarketWatch • Feb. 19, 2026

I flip over and my feet dip into the hard-packed earth as I run away from Thresh and Clove and the sound of Cato's voice.

From "The Hunger Games" by Suzanne Collins