dig up dirt: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘dig up dirt’ mean?
To "dig up dirt" means to uncover or find damaging or incriminating information about someone or something.
Idiom Explorer
When someone "hits paydirt," they have unexpectedly or successfully found something valuable or profitable.
The idiom "get to the bottom of" means to investigate or find out the underlying or true cause of something, often by thorough examination or questioning.
The idiom "get the goods on" means to obtain incriminating or damaging evidence against someone or to gather information that can be used against them.
The idiom "find out" means to discover or obtain information by investigating or asking questions.
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 "drag through the mud" means to publicly criticize or disgrace someone, often by spreading damaging information or accusations about them.
The idiom "drag through the mud" has a figurative meaning and is commonly used in the English language to describe the act of tarnishing or damaging someone's reputation or character. It can be traced back to around the 19th century, although its exact origins are unclear.
The idiom "do the dirty on" means to betray or deceive someone, often in a sneaky or underhanded way.
The idiom "dish the dirt" means to share or reveal gossip or negative information about someone. It is often used when someone is talking about another person's personal or private matters in a negative or judgmental way.
Origins Unveiled
The idiom "dig up" is closely related to "dig up dirt" and is often used in similar contexts. It has a more general meaning and can refer to the act of uncovering or discovering something, whether it be information, evidence, or even physical objects. The phrase "dig up" implies a deliberate effort to search for something that may be hidden or buried, much like digging in the ground to find dirt. It can be used in various contexts, such as investigating a crime, researching a topic, or even searching for lost items.
The idiom "dish the dirt" is another phrase related to "dig up dirt" and is often used in gossip or informal conversation. It refers to the act of sharing or revealing juicy or scandalous information about someone, particularly information that may be damaging or embarrassing. When someone "dishes the dirt," they are essentially uncovering or revealing the hidden secrets or negative aspects of a person or situation. This phrase is commonly used in social settings or tabloid journalism, where sensationalism and scandal are valued.
The idiom "get the goods on" is similar to "dig up dirt" and implies the act of obtaining or acquiring incriminating or damaging information about someone. When someone "gets the goods on" another person, they have successfully uncovered evidence or facts that can be used to their advantage or to harm the other person's reputation. This phrase is often used in legal or investigative contexts, where gathering evidence is crucial for building a case or exposing wrongdoing.
The idiom "dig oneself in a hole" is related to "dig up dirt" in a figurative sense. It refers to the act of getting oneself into a difficult or embarrassing situation, often as a result of one's own actions or choices. When someone "digs themselves in a hole," they are metaphorically digging a deeper and deeper pit or grave for themselves by making mistakes or poor decisions. This idiom emphasizes the consequences of one's actions and the difficulty of getting out of a self-created predicament.
The phrase "dirt file" is also related to "dig up dirt" and is commonly used to describe a collection of negative or incriminating information about a person or organization. A dirt file is essentially a compilation of facts, rumors, or evidence that can be used to discredit or harm someone's reputation. It is often created and maintained by individuals or groups who are looking to have leverage over someone or to use the information as a weapon. The term "dirt file" implies that the information contained within is dirty or damaging, further emphasizing the negative nature of the content.
"dig up dirt" is an idiom that has become a common expression in American English to describe the act of uncovering or discovering damaging or incriminating information about someone or something. It is often used in contexts related to journalism, politics, investigations, and personal relationships, where individuals or organizations try to gather negative information for various purposes. The related idioms "dig up," "dish the dirt," "get the goods on," "dig oneself in a hole," and "dirt file" all add nuances and variations to the theme of uncovering hidden or negative aspects. These idioms reflect our fascination with scandalous revelations and our ongoing pursuit of unearthing the secrets that lie beneath the surface.
Example usage
1. The investigative journalist worked tirelessly to dig up dirt on the corrupt politician.
2. The opposition party hired a private investigator to dig up dirt on their rivals.
3. During the trial, the defense attorney tried to dig up dirt on the prosecution's star witness.
More "Investigation" idioms
