  You’re Diggin’ Yourself Deeper in the HoleIn Appalachian and Southern speech, "You’re diggin’ yourself deeper in the hole" is an admonishment meaning you’re making your own situation worse. It’s the everyday way folks warn someone they’re adding to their problems - a living companion to the proverb "Better Stop Diggin’." #SouthernSayings #Appalachia #PeopleandRelationships #Southern Hillbilly Dude Says...  In the moment, you'll hear parents say to young'uns - You’re diggin’ yourself deeper in the hole.' This one is a common one to hear in the south. Pronunciation[YER DIG-in yer-SELF DEE-per in thuh HOLE] Meaning & Usage- To warn someone mid-action they’re making things worse (verb phrase/admonishment)
Mae:
And another thing-
Earl:
Careful - you’re diggin’ yourself deeper in the hole.- To describe a self-inflicted worsening situation (verb phrase/admonishment)
Mae:
He kept talkin’ back to the boss.
Earl:
Yep - diggin’ himself deeper in the hole.other spellings: digging yourself deeper ★ Where "Better Stop Diggin’" is the proverb-like advice, "You’re Diggin’ Yourself Deeper in the Hole" is the active warning. Pairing the two pages and cross-linking them gives visitors a clear view of the expression’s life in real speech. ★ OriginDerived from the imagery of digging a literal hole. The full proverb "When you’re in a hole, stop digging" appears in print from the early 20th century. In Southern/Appalachian speech, it’s often said as "You’re diggin’ yourself deeper in the hole" in the moment to scold or caution someone. NotesStill widely heard in the South and Appalachia. It’s conversational, used by parents, teachers, and elders to warn someone off when they’re in trouble or embarrassing themselves. Say It Like a SouthernerSaid plain: "you’re diggin’ yourself deeper in the hole." Sometimes shortened to "diggin’ deeper." | Latest Accents About We are a growing field guide to culture, speech, memory, and meaning - rooted in Appalachia, but wide as the world. Read more... |
 |