dip into
Britishverb
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to draw (upon)
he dipped into his savings
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to read (passages) at random or cursorily in (a book, newspaper, etc)
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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]
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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
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
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
The Bank points out that some people can use less energy, or they can dip into savings to pay higher bills.
From BBC • Apr. 30, 2026
The shift in weight caused the ice floe to dip into the black water, and Jack fell back down.
From "Breadcrumbs" by Anne Ursu
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.
