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)

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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]

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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

The war is also forcing countries to dip into their strategic stocks and take other measures to avoid shortages, including rationing and reducing travel.

From Barron's • Mar. 23, 2026

When the rains stopped and Uncle decided it was time to head back—he did not want to dip into their larder by having lunch with them, as Miss Whitlaw urged— we made our good-byes.

From "Dragonwings" by Laurence Yep