The reporter tries to dig up dirt on the politician.
dig up dirt
idiomTo examine in order to find negative information for public opinion, usually with the purpose of embarrassing or discrediting a person.
During the election, the opposing team spent weeks trying to dig up dirt on their rival to ruin his reputation.
The journalist spent months investigating the executive's past, hoping to dig up dirt that would finally expose the corruption hidden behind his public success.
- 01
dig a hole for oneself
To take an action or create a situation from which it is difficult to extricate.
- 02
dig deep
To make a lot of effort with all one's resources.
- 03
dig in
To adopt a resolute state of mind.
- 04
dig in one's heels
To act in a determined manner by firmly maintaining one's beliefs, demands, situation, etc. in the face of opposition.
- 05
dig one's heels in
to refuse to change one's plans or ideas, especially when counseled otherwise
- 06
dig one's own grave
To behave in a way that is likely to cause one to lose or fail, including, but not limited to, result in death.
- 07
dig oneself in a hole
To put oneself in even more trouble.
- 08
dig out of a hole
To save someone or something from trouble.