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

These companies have huge operational cash flows, but now it isn’t enough to cover the expenses, and they have started to dip into debt markets.

From Barron's • May 22, 2026

For a little extra flair toast some baguette wedges to dip into the savory mixture.

From Salon • May 22, 2026

For the Nerones, who will have to dip into retirement funds to cover their rebuilding costs, that’s an inevitable change, whoever builds the homes.

From Los Angeles Times • May 21, 2026

Avoid having to dip into investments during a down market, especially in the early years of retirement.

From MarketWatch • May 7, 2026

We often dip into it, and the tough ham sausages, the tins of liver sausages, the conserves, the boxes of cigarettes rejoice our hearts.

From "All Quiet on the Western Front: A Novel" by Erich Maria Remarque