Definition of dig into

The phrase "dig into" originated in the mid-19th century, mainly in the context of agricultural work. The original meaning of the expression was to excavate a specific area of land in order to plant crops or search for minerals or fossils hidden beneath the soil. The word "dig" itself comes from the Old Norse word "degga" which means "to pierce," and its use in English dates back to the 9th century. As time went on, the phrase "dig into" began to take on a figurative meaning in addition to its literal one. By the 1920s, the expression was being used to describe the act of delving deeply into something, such as a topic or a task, in order to fully comprehend it or extract its full value. This figurative use of "dig into" has become common in everyday language and is now widely recognized as denoting thorough investigation or exploration. In summary, the origin of the expression "dig into" can be traced back to agricultural practices in the 19th century, where it originated as a literal way to describe excavating soil. However, the phrase's meaning has evolved over time, and it now represents a broader concept, rooted in its physical origins, that refers to the process of undertaking an intensive and detailed investigation or exploration.