dig in: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘dig in’ mean?
The idiom "dig in" means to start eating eagerly or to begin working hard or with determination.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "plunge in" means to start or engage in something quickly and without hesitation or fear.
The idiom "get stuck in" means to start working on something with enthusiasm and determination, often in a hands-on or proactive manner.
The idiom "eat one's head off" means to consume something excessively or without restraint, often referring to a person or an animal consuming food in large quantities. It emphasizes the idea of extreme or voracious eating.
The idiom "eat one's head off" is a commonly used phrase with a figurative meaning. It originated in the English language in the late 19th century.
The idiom "eat one's hat" means to be absolutely certain about something, even if it seems unlikely, and be willing to take drastic measures to prove it.
The idiom "eat one's hat" has intrigued language enthusiasts for centuries. Its exact origin is uncertain, but it is believed to have emerged in England during the late 18th or early 19th century. The phrase is thought to have been used as a hyperbolic expression to emphasize the certainty of a statement or prediction.
The idiom "eat it" means to accept or tolerate something unpleasant or embarrassing, often with resignation or humility.
The idiom "eat for two" means to eat a large amount of food, often to the point of overeating or indulging excessively. It is a colloquial expression used to describe someone who has a hearty appetite or enjoys eating without restraint.
The idiom "eat dirt" means to suffer a humiliating defeat or to be forced to submit to someone. It is a figurative expression that implies being in a position of inferiority or having to endure a humiliating situation.
The idiom "eat an elephant one bite at a time" means tackling a large or overwhelming task by breaking it down into smaller, more manageable parts.
The idiom "eat and leave no crumbs" means to consume or use something completely without wasting or leaving any trace or evidence behind.
The idiom "eat, breathe, and sleep" means to be completely consumed or obsessed with something, to the point where it becomes an essential and constant part of one's life.
Subterranean Secrets Revealed
The idiom "dig deep" is a related expression that shares a similar concept with "dig in." "Dig deep" means to find or summon inner strength or resources in order to overcome a challenge or difficulty. This idiomatic phrase emphasizes the idea of going beyond surface-level efforts and tapping into deeper reserves of determination and perseverance.
Building on the metaphor of digging, "get stuck in" is another related idiom that conveys the idea of wholeheartedly immersing oneself in a task or activity. Similar to "dig in," "get stuck in" encourages active involvement and enthusiastic participation. This idiomatic phrase suggests a willingness to dive into the task at hand with eagerness and commitment.
"plunge in" is yet another idiomatic phrase that is related to "dig in." It carries a similar connotation of fully engaging in a task or situation, often implying a sense of boldness or fearlessness. Like "dig in," "plunge in" encourages the idea of diving headfirst into an activity or venture without hesitation.
Similarly, the idiomatic phrase "deep dive" is related to "dig in" in terms of its metaphorical meaning. "Deep dive" refers to delving deeply into a topic, issue, or subject matter in order to gain comprehensive knowledge or understanding. This idiomatic expression emphasizes the importance of thorough exploration and analysis, suggesting a level of commitment and immersion similar to "dig in."
On a more informal note, the idiom "chow down" is related to "dig in" in a specific context - eating. "Chow down" means to eat with gusto, often used to convey a sense of enthusiasm or enjoyment in consuming a meal. This idiomatic phrase shares the same theme of wholehearted engagement with food as "dig in."
The idiom "dig in" encompasses various meanings and uses, ranging from encouraging enthusiastic eating to urging wholehearted engagement and determination. The related idioms "dig deep," "get stuck in," "plunge in," "deep dive," and "chow down" all share a common theme of active involvement and commitment in different contexts. By exploring these idioms together, we can deepen our understanding of the versatile nature of "dig in" and its significance in American English.
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom "dig in" can be used in a sentence:
- I'm so hungry, let's dig in to this delicious meal.
- The team dug in and managed to win the game against all odds.
- He dug in his heels and refused to compromise on the issue.
More "Food" idioms
