The term "comes up scratch" is often used to indicate failure or disappointment. The verb "come" is pronounced /kʌm/, while "up" is pronounced /ʌp/. The word "scratch" is pronounced with a short "a" sound /skrætʃ/. The phrase likely originated from the world of sports, where referees would mark a line on the ground with a scratch if a competitor couldn't meet a certain standard. Today, it's used in everyday conversation to express discontent with something that didn't meet expectations.
The idiomatic expression "comes up scratch" refers to a situation where someone or something does not meet the required standards or expectations. The term "comes up" suggests that this evaluation happened or occurred during a specific event or at a particular time, while "scratch" indicates that the outcome fell short or did not obtain the desired result.
When an individual or an object "comes up scratch," it means that they have not met the anticipated level of performance, quality, or achievement. This phrase can apply to various contexts, such as an examination, a job interview, or a competition, where a person fails to demonstrate the necessary skills or abilities. For instance, if a candidate comes up scratch in a job interview, it implies that they did not impress or satisfy the employer's expectations, resulting in a negative outcome.
The phrase can also be extended to refer to material objects or products. If a product comes up scratch, it means it does not pass a quality inspection or does not function as anticipated. Such a situation might lead to the item being rejected, repaired, or even discarded.
In summary, "comes up scratch" describes the failure of a person or an item to achieve the required standards or expectations during a specific evaluation or event. It highlights the disappointment or dissatisfaction when the anticipated outcome is not reached.