Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

dig-up-dirt-on-someone

Phrase

/dɪg ʌp dɜrt ɒn ˈsʌmwʌn/

Definition

To investigate someone’s background or personal life to find negative information or secrets.

Examples

The journalist was known to dig up dirt on politicians to write scandalous articles.
If you don’t trust her, you might feel tempted to dig up dirt on her past.
He was worried that someone would try to dig up dirt on him before the election.

Meaning

This phrase often refers to the act of uncovering compromising or embarrassing information about a person, typically to harm their reputation or to use it for personal gain.