掘り返す

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: 掘り返す is read as ほりかえす and combines 掘る with 返す to mean digging something up again or reviving a past matter.
• Basic usage: The physical object appears in 土を掘り返す, while the figurative object appears in 昔の失敗を掘り返す.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• Difference from 掘る
  • 掘る means digging generally; 掘り返す suggests turning over existing soil or exposing something buried or settled.
• Figurative evaluation
  • For a past event, the verb can carry the negative nuance of needlessly reopening an old issue.