dig out
1. To create an exit by channeling, tunneling, etc. A noun or pronoun can be used between "dig" and "out." The groundhog dug out of its burrow and advanced on my herb garden. That whole section of the mine collapsed! How are the miners supposed to dig their way out? The kids are having a blast making sandcastles and digging out of tunnels in the sand.
2. To remove something from something. A noun or pronoun can be used between "dig" and "out." Paulina was careful to dig every last raisin out of the cookie. You don't expect me to dig every weed out of the yard, do you? That would take forever! Some animal seems to delight in digging out my tulip bulbs in the middle of the night!
3. To locate something after searching for it. A noun or pronoun can be used between "dig" and "out." After a few minutes, I was finally able to dig my sunglasses out of my purse. I just need you to dig Grandma's angel out of that box of old Christmas ornaments. I knew she'd be able to dig that doll out of the toybox. The kid has so many toys, she can't keep track of 'em!
4. To remove an excess accumulation of something, such as snow or mud. It'll be days before we're able to dig out from this blizzard. Rescue crews have been helping the residents dig out after the mudslide. I hope the state government sends help after all this snow because we won't be able to dig out on our own!
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.