The phrase "scares up" is spelled with the two words separated by a space. The pronunciation is /skɛrz ʌp/. The word "scares" is spelled with the letter combination "sc" representing the sound /sk/ and the letter "a" representing the short "a" sound /æ/. The word "up" is spelled with the letter "u" representing the short "uh" sound /ʌ/ and the letter "p" representing the voiceless bilabial plosive /p/. Together, these two words form an idiomatic phrasal verb meaning to gather or find something, often with difficulty or effort.
"Scares up" is a phrasal verb that refers to the act of finding, obtaining, or procuring something, typically with some degree of difficulty or effort. The term "scares" is derived from the verb "scare," which conveys the notion of startling, alarming, or seizing with fear. In this context, "scares up" suggests the idea of actively searching or hunting for something in a way that may be seen as frantic, intense, or desperate.
When one "scares up" something, they are usually working towards finding a solution, acquiring an item, or achieving a desired outcome in a resourceful manner. The phrase often implies that the object or result being sought is elusive, scarce, or hard to come by, requiring extra effort, ingenuity, or persistence.
For example, someone may "scare up" a rare collectible by scouring secondhand shops, attending auctions, or engaging with niche online communities. Similarly, a detective may "scare up" crucial evidence by conducting extensive interviews, examining crime scenes, or delving into various sources.
Overall, "scares up" usually connotes a proactive and energetic approach to obtaining something, often in the face of challenges or limited availability. It may involve a combination of techniques such as researching, networking, and exploring alternative avenues, all in the pursuit of successfully acquiring or achieving a desired goal.
The word "scares up" is an idiomatic phrase that originated in informal English. Its etymology is closely related to the verb "scare" and the phrasal verb "scare up".
The verb "scare" has Middle English origins and comes from the Old Norse word "skirra", meaning "to frighten". Over time, it evolved to mean "to frighten or startle someone".
The phrasal verb "scare up" emerged in American English during the 19th century and is believed to have derived from the original meaning of "scare". It means to find, obtain, or gather something with effort, often when the supplies or resources are scarce or difficult to come by. The "up" in "scare up" serves as an intensifier, highlighting the effort or difficulty involved in the action.