grub for

grub for (something)

1. To search in the ground for something, often food, as by digging or scratching. The pigs are always grubbing for scraps. Those birds are probably grubbing for the seeds you just laid. Why do the kids love to plop down in the dirt and grub for bugs? Ugh, I hate bugs!

2. To try to obtain something through brazen begging and pleading. Every time the CEO comes to our office, employees start grubbing for her time and attention, in the hope of being noticed. You can grub for a later curfew all you want—you're still not getting it. I'm determined to get this promotion. I'll sit down with the boss and grub for it if I have to!

See also: for, grub

Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.

grub for

v.

1. To dig in the ground to get something out of it, especially food: The bears grubbed for beetles in the soft ground.

2. To try to achieve or get something by begging, nagging, or acting in a shameless way: The members of the city council were always grubbing for more power.

See also: for, grub

The American Heritage® Dictionary of Phrasal Verbs. Copyright © 2005 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.