dig up the past
/dɪɡ ʌp ðə pæst/
Meaning
This idiomatic phrase means to deliberately bring back memories, secrets, or details of events that happened long ago, especially unpleasant or embarrassing ones. It is often used with a negative connotation, suggesting that these old matters should remain forgotten.
Examples
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There is no point in trying to dig up the past; we should focus on our future.
There is no point in trying to dig up the past; we should focus on our future.
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The journalists kept trying to dig up the past to find a scandal about the politician.
The journalists kept trying to dig up the past to find a scandal about the politician.
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Why do you always have to dig up the past every time we have an argument?
Why do you always have to dig up the past every time we have an argument?
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She was reluctant to dig up the past, as it brought back too many painful memories.
She was reluctant to dig up the past, as it brought back too many painful memories.
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He wrote a memoir, but he avoided trying to dig up the past regarding his family life.
He wrote a memoir, but he avoided trying to dig up the past regarding his family life.
Common Mistakes
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✗ He likes to dig out the past during our fights.
✓ He likes to dig up the past during our fights.
The correct phrasal verb idiom is 'dig up the past'. 'Dig out' usually refers to physically retrieving something buried in storage.
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✗ Please don't dig up past.
✓ Please don't dig up the past.
The idiom requires the definite article 'the' before 'past'.
Related Expressions
Practice
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I don't want to ___ during our anniversary dinner; let's just enjoy tonight.
💡 Bring up old, potentially negative memories.
Show answer
dig up the past
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The documentary attempts to ___ and reveal what actually happened in 1995.
💡 Uncover old history.
Show answer
dig up the past