dig the dirt

dig the dirt

To find negative information that has been concealed. Once I contact my usual sources at the tabloids, I should be able to dig the dirt up on that actress. The politician's lawyer has been trying to dig the dirt, but so far he hasn't found anything to tarnish their opponent's campaign. My efforts to dig the dirt on my enemy have been unsuccessful so far.

See also: dig, dirt

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

dig the dirt (or dig up dirt)

discover and reveal damaging information about someone. informal

Dirt is commonly used as a metaphor for unsavoury gossip or scandal, as in, for example, dish the dirt (see dish).

See also: dig, dirt

Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017