dug in

USAGE SUMMARY

"dug in" is a correct and usable expression in written English.
It is usually used to mean to prepare for a difficult situation, or to become firm in one's opinion or beliefs. For example, "He dug in and refused to change his mind, no matter how much we argued".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

"He really dug in," she said.

The New York Times - Sports

Both sides dug in for battle.

The New York Times

But gardeners dug in, held rallies.

The New York Times

He stayed in there and dug in".

Independent

They dug in and we dug back".

The New York Times - Sports

"He dug in early on.

BBC

"We dug in, we dug deep.

BBC

We dug in, happily.

Huffington Post

The services have their heels dug in.

Huffington Post

I dug in with my hands.

Huffington Post

The chefs dug in.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "dug in" to convey a sense of determination or resistance to change. For instance, when describing a political negotiation, it can illustrate how parties are unwilling to compromise. However, also use it when you want to describe someone enthusiastically starting to eat.

Common error

Avoid using "dug in" when you intend to describe a simple act of eating without the implication of eagerness or enthusiasm. In such cases, a more neutral verb like "ate" would be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrasal verb "dug in" functions primarily as a verb indicating a firm and resolute stance, resistance to change, or enthusiastic engagement. It often describes a deliberate action of becoming entrenched or starting something with vigor, as shown by Ludwig AI.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

95%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

1%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Science

1%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "dug in" is a versatile phrasal verb with two main meanings: to resist change or to start eating enthusiastically. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and frequently used, especially in news and media. When using "dug in", consider the context to ensure the intended meaning is clear. For resistance, alternatives include "stood firm" or "held their ground". For enthusiastic consumption, consider "attacked the food" or "devoured it". Be mindful of the context to avoid misinterpretations, and leverage this phrase to effectively convey determination, resistance, or enthusiasm in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

stood firm

Emphasizes resistance to change or opposition, focusing on unwavering stance.

remained steadfast

Focuses on maintaining a consistent and unwavering stance, particularly in challenging situations, emphasizing resilience and determination.

persisted

Highlights continued effort despite obstacles, shifting the focus to perseverance.

persevered

Similar to 'persisted' but suggests a greater level of difficulty overcome.

held their ground

Focuses on defending a position or belief against opposition, implying a defensive stance.

stuck to their guns

Emphasizes unwavering adherence to a belief or plan, even under pressure.

got stuck in

Signifies immersing oneself enthusiastically in an activity, changing the context from resistance to engagement.

started eating

Indicates the commencement of eating with implied eagerness or satisfaction, changing the context significantly.

got going

Emphasizes initiating an action or task, shifting the focus to commencement rather than resistance.

attacked the food

Emphasizes the act of eating with vigor and enthusiasm, altering the context.

FAQs

How can I use "dug in" in a sentence?

You can use "dug in" to describe someone who is resisting change, as in "The company "dug in" against the new regulations". It can also mean someone started eating enthusiastically: "We "dug in" as soon as the food arrived".

What does "dug in their heels" mean?

"Dug in their heels" is an idiomatic expression meaning to become even more determined to maintain your opinion or position, often in the face of opposition. For instance: "Despite public pressure, the government "dug in their heels" and refused to change its policy".

When is it appropriate to use "held their ground" instead of "dug in"?

While both phrases imply resistance, "held their ground" is more appropriate when describing a physical or metaphorical defense of a position. "Dug in" can also imply a refusal to compromise or change one's stance. For example, "The soldiers "held their ground" against the enemy attack", versus "The negotiator "dug in" and refused to concede any further points".

What are some similar expressions to "dug in" that indicate enthusiastic consumption?

When "dug in" is used to describe eating, similar expressions include "attacked the food", "devoured it", or "tucked in". These phrases convey a sense of eagerness and enjoyment in eating.