Crossword Genius

Do the spadework to get established (3,2)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

dig in

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'do' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are verbs in their base form, I can't understand how they can define each other.

I can't explain the rest of the clue.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for dig in that I've seen before include "Enjoy the food" , "Start eating (informal)" , "Start to scoff" , "Begin eating heartily" , "protect himself" .)

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