Origin of dig
1
1275–1325; Middle English
diggen, perhaps representing an OE derivative of
dīc
ditch; Middle French
diguer to dig (< Middle Dutch) is attested later and apparently not the immediate source
Words nearby dig
British Dictionary definitions for dig in (1 of 3)
dig in
verb (adverb)
military
to create (a defensive position) by digging foxholes, trenches, etc
informal
to entrench (oneself) firmly
(intr) informal
to defend or maintain a position firmly, as in an argument
(intr) informal
to begin vigorously to eat
don't wait, just dig in
dig one's heels in informal
to refuse stubbornly to move or be persuaded
British Dictionary definitions for dig in (2 of 3)
British Dictionary definitions for dig in (3 of 3)
dig
/ (dɪɡ) /
verb digs, digging or dug
noun
Word Origin for dig
C13
diggen, of uncertain origin
Idioms and Phrases with dig in
dig in
Excavate trenches to defend oneself in battle and hold one's position, as in The battalion dug in and held on. This usage gained currency in the trench warfare of World War I. [Mid-1800s]
Also, dig in one's heels. Adopt a firm position, be obstinate and unyielding. For example, Arthur refused to argue the point and simply dug in, or The dog dug in its heels and refused to move. [Colloquial; late 1800s]
Begin to work intensively, as in If we all dig in it'll be done before dark. [Colloquial; second half of 1800s]
Also, dig into. Begin to eat heartily, as in Even before all the food was on the table they began to dig in, or When the bell rang, the kids all dug into their lunches. [Colloquial; early 1900s]