Phrasal verb
dig out
Meanings
To remove something from the ground, snow, or another material by digging.
To find and take out something that is stored away or difficult to locate.
Definition
To dig out means to remove something from inside something by digging or pulling it out.
Dig out is commonly used when you remove something that is buried or stuck, often using your hands or a tool. It can also mean finding and bringing out something that was stored or hard to locate. In everyday speech, it is often used with objects like snow, a car, documents, or old clothes.
Examples
- I had to dig out my driveway after the storm.
- You can dig out the spare charger from the drawer in the kitchen.
- He dug out the stuck stone with a small pocket tool.
- She dug out her old jacket for the camping trip.
- They dug out the car when the plow buried it in snow.
Common mistake
Learners often confuse dig out (remove something from inside/under something) with dig up (uncover something buried), but dig out focuses on getting it out.
More phrasal verbs
- go on To go on means to continue or keep happening.
- carry out To carry out something means to do it or complete it, especially a plan, task, or instruction.
- set up To set up means to arrange or prepare something so it is ready to use or happen.
- pick up “Pick up” most commonly means to collect someone or something from a place, usually by going there.
- go back To go back means to return to a place, time, or earlier situation.