dig in

To start eating, often with pleasure or enthusiasm.

• Dinner is ready. Dig in!
• The children dug in as soon as the food arrived.
• Everyone was digging in, so I passed the bread around.

Similar words: tuck in, start eating

Common phrases: dig in eagerly, dig in together, dig in immediately

To become determined not to change your decision or opinion.

• Both sides dug in and refused to compromise.
• She dug in when they asked her to change her plans.
• The union is digging in over its pay demands.

Similar words: stand firm, dig in one's heels

Opposites: give in

Common phrases: dig in firmly, dig in stubbornly, dig in further

To start working hard and with plenty of effort.

• We need to dig in now.
• The team dug in and finished the report by midnight.
• If everyone digs in, we can meet the deadline.

Similar words: knuckle down, work hard

Common phrases: dig in hard, dig in together, dig in and work

To make holes or trenches in the ground to protect yourself against an enemy.

• The soldiers dug in before nightfall.
• We had to dig in before the enemy attacked.
• The troops are digging in along the ridge.

Similar words: entrench oneself

Common phrases: dig in troops, dig in deeply, dig in before battle

To put something into the soil and cover or mix it by digging.

• Dig in some compost before planting.
• We dug the manure in last autumn.
• Should I dig in these fallen leaves?

How to use it: dig something in (Dig the compost in before planting.)

Similar words: work into the soil

Common phrases: dig in compost, dig in manure, dig in something