dig deep

English

Etymology

Evoking such imagery as digging in one's pockets for money or digging in the ground for resources (water from a well, ore from the ground).

(This etymology is missing or incomplete. Please add to it, or discuss it at the Etymology scriptorium. Particularly: “This needs real sourcing. The money metaphor seems common; ore from the ground etc. needs evidence.”)

Verb

dig deep (third-person singular simple present digs deep, present participle digging deep, simple past and past participle dug deep)

  1. (idiomatic) To make a lot of effort with all one's resources.
    Synonym: dig down
    If you want to join the marines, there's no room for laziness. You really have to dig deep.
    We're taking up a collection to help the Johnson family, who were burned out by a fire last week. Please dig deep and give whatever you can.
    • 2011 February 1, Phil McNulty, “Arsenal 2-1 Everton”, in BBC‎[1], archived from the original on 15 November 2025:
      Arsene Wenger's side showed little of the style and fluidity that is their hallmark but this was about digging deep and getting the job done, qualities they demonstrated and that will serve them well as the season reaches its climax.
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