To Dig

1. (transitive, intransitive) To move hard-packed earth out of the way, especially downward to make a hole with a shovel. Or to drill, or the like, through rocks, roads, or the like. More generally, to make any similar hole by moving material out of the way.
2. (transitive) To get by digging; to take from the ground; often with up.
3. (mining) To take ore from its bed, in distinction from making excavations in search of ore.
4. (US, slang, dated) To work like a digger; to study ploddingly and laboriously.
5. (figuratively) To investigate, to research, often followed by out or up.
6. To thrust; to poke.
7. (volleyball) To defend against an attack hit by the opposing team by successfully passing the ball