Did the spadework (3)

I believe the answer is:

dug

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'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.
Maybe they are linked in a way 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" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.

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