dig in
8 synonyms and 2 antonyms for dig in, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Phrasal verb — To start eating, especially eagerly. Often said as an invitation at the table.
Synonyms
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Synonyms by Meaning
1. phrasal verb informal
To start eating, especially eagerly. Often said as an invitation at the table.
“Everyone's served — dig in.”
2. phrasal verb
To refuse to shift your position in an argument or negotiation. Often extended to dig in your heels.
“Both sides have dug in and talks have stalled.”
Opposites
3. phrasal verb
To dig defensive positions and settle into them, or more generally to prepare to hold a position for a long time.
“The battalion dug in along the ridge before nightfall.”
4. phrasal verb
To mix something into soil by digging.
“Dig in plenty of compost before you plant the roses.”
How to Use Dig In
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
The eating sense is friendly and informal; the entrenchment sense is neutral and common in news writing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between dig in and dig into?
Dig in has no object: sit down and dig in. Dig into takes one, and can mean either start eating something (he dug into his curry) or investigate it (reporters dug into the accounts).
Where does 'dig in your heels' come from?
The image is of an animal or person planting their feet hard into the ground to resist being pulled forward. The phrase describes stubborn refusal to move rather than any actual digging.