# dig up

CEFR B1 · Phrasal verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/dig-up
Updated: 2026-10-22

## Definition

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.

For teachers: 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.

## Pitfalls

- Not "He digged up the garden." but "He dug up the garden." — The verb 'dig' is irregular; the past tense and past participle are 'dug'.

## Usage notes

- 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.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.