The phrase "come up scratch" is spelled using the English alphabet, but its pronunciation can be explained using IPA phonetic transcription. In IPA, "come" is spelled /kʌm/ and "up" is spelled /ʌp/. "Scratch" is spelled /skrætʃ/, with the "a" pronounced like the "a" in "apple." The phrase means to fail or to come up short, and it's unclear where the phrase originated from. Nonetheless, its spelling and pronunciation remain a part of colloquial English.
"Come up scratch" is an idiomatic expression that is commonly used in informal contexts, particularly in the United States and the United Kingdom. This phrase is typically used to convey the idea that an individual or something does not meet expectations or fails to fulfill a particular requirement or standard.
When someone says that a person or an object "comes up scratch," they are indicating that it falls short or disappoints in some way. This phrase is often employed to describe a situation or an individual's performance that did not meet the desired outcome or level of quality. For example, if someone organizes an event that is poorly attended or receives negative feedback, one might say that the event "came up scratch."
The term "scratch" in this idiom can be traced back to the early 20th century and has its origins in the world of competitive sport, particularly boxing. In boxing, a competitor who is not healthy or in good condition before a fight may be deemed unfit or unprepared to engage in the match. This lack of readiness is referred to as "coming up scratch." Over time, the phrase adopted a broader meaning and extended beyond the realm of sports to describe any situation, person, or thing that fails to meet expectations or meet a desired standard.