Did the spadework (3)
I believe the answer is:
dug
'did the spadework' is the definition.
The definition and answer can be both to do with social activities as well as being past participle verbs.
Perhaps there's a link between them I don't understand?
This is the entire clue.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for dug that I've seen before include "Appreciated" , "Udder or teat" , "Used a spade" , "Excavated" , "Breast of female mammal" .)