dɪɡ ʌp
neutral
intermediate
- Base verb:
- dig
- Particle:
- up
- Separable:
- Yes
What does "dig up" mean?
- To remove something from the ground by digging.
- To discover information through research.
Examples
- They dug up an ancient coin in the garden.
- The journalist dug up disturbing facts about the politician.
- Can you dig up the old report from last year?
- Workers dug up the road to repair a burst water main.
How to use it
The figurative meaning (discovering information) is extremely common in journalism.
Word order
Object can go between: 'dig something up' or 'dig up something'.
Similar expressions
unearth
uncover
excavate
find
Opposites
bury
conceal
Related phrasal verbs
- dig into
To investigate thoroughly
- get up
To rise from bed after sleeping
- turn up
To increase the volume, heat, or intensity of something
- give up
To stop trying to do something, often because it is too difficult
- bring up
To mention or introduce a topic in conversation
- go up
To increase in price, level, or amount
Use it in a practice answer
Try "dig up" in a CELPIP-style Speaking or Writing task. The AI feedback tells you whether your word choice worked.