The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 6 letter word DELVES
I've seen this crossword clue in The Daily Telegraph
D
E
L
V
E
S
Buddy explains!

The straight part
We know that "digs" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case digs = delves.The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.
What does DELVES mean?
DELVES verb- To dig the ground, especially with a shovel.
- To search thoroughly and carefully for information, research, dig into, penetrate, fathom, trace out
- To dig, to excavate.