dig in
Meaning(s)
1. hold stubbornly to a position, work energetically
Popularity
High
Professional
High
Social
How to Memorize
dig your heels in and refuse to budge
Analysis
Dig in is a phrasal verb with a number of meanings. To dig in can mean to start eating enthusiastically so if you present a meal to your friends, to invite them to start eating- you can say, 'please dig in!'. To dig into something can also mean to press hard into something else, for example, 'I was so angry I dug my nails into the palm of my hands to stop from shouting'. You can also dig into the ground or mix something into the ground using a shovel. 'Settlers on the island used to dig in seaweed to fertilise the soil'. To dig in for means to prepare yourself for something difficult which is coming. For example, 'I dug in for a long custody battle over the children'. In a battle or war situation soldiers can dig in or dig themselves into trenches in order to prepare for an attack.
Professional Examples (Basic)
- We were really up against it, but thanks to the whole department digging in, we managed to complete the project just ahead of the deadline. What a relief!
- You should eat the lasagne while it is still hot so please dig in don't wait for me.
- The garden is coming along nicely I'm going to dig in some grass seed and then it should be finished.
Professional Examples (Advance)
- The Board outright refused to agree to any of the workers' demands, so they decided to dig their heels in and extend the strike for a further week.
- Nick was adamant that his client should dig in and hold her position on the stock market rather than panic selling. It was a risk, but he was confident that the market would rebound in their favour.