dig up dirt

To uncover negative information about someone or something. Once I contact my usual sources at the tabloids, I should be able to dig up the dirt on that actress. I don't care what the opposition does. I'm running a clean campaign, so I don't want anyone on my team digging up dirt, understand? My efforts to dig dirt up on my enemy have been unsuccessful so far.

dig up dirt

BRITISH & AMERICAN or

dig the dirt

BRITISH

COMMON If you dig up dirt or dig the dirt on someone, you look for harmful or shocking information about them. They hired a detective firm to dig up dirt on their rival. Note: You can also say that you dig for dirt. Reporters even go through trash cans digging for dirt on celebrities. Note: You can describe this activity as dirt-digging. In the movie, a dirt-digging reporter is framed by a corrupt district attorney and sentenced for manslaughter.