Phrasal verb
dig up
Definition
phrasal verb. to find something that was hidden or buried, either in the ground or in the past. You use this when you discover information or an object after searching for it.
phrasal verb. to remove something from the earth by digging; figuratively, to discover or reveal information, especially that which was hidden or forgotten. The verb is transitive and optionally separable.
Examples
“They had to dig up the old pipes to fix the leak.”
“The journalist managed to dig up some old photos that proved the politician was lying about his past.”
“Archaeologists spent months trying to dig up the remains of the ancient settlement before the rainy season began.”
Examples
simple
“They had to dig up the old pipes to fix the leak.”
contextual
“The journalist managed to dig up some old photos that proved the politician was lying about his past.”
complex
“Archaeologists spent months trying to dig up the remains of the ancient settlement before the rainy season began.”
Usage
Often used with objects like 'information', 'dirt', 'roots', or 'evidence'.
Teaching tip
Contrast the literal meaning of excavation with the figurative meaning of investigation, noting that 'dig up dirt' is a common idiom for finding scandals.
Pitfall
He digged up the garden.
He dug up the garden.
The verb 'dig' is irregular; the past tense and past participle are 'dug'.
Phrasal verb
Particles
up
Separability
optional
Pattern
dig + up + object
Synonyms
Antonyms
Grammar
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B1 PreliminaryIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.4.0–5.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 3.0–3.544–71TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.550–784
- Level
- B1 · Intermediate
- Updated
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