The phrase "scrape together" means to gather enough of something that is scarce or difficult to obtain. It is pronounced /skreɪp təˈɡɛðər/. The word "scrape" is pronounced with a long "a" sound, followed by a voiceless "p" and the "e" is not pronounced due to the silent "e" rule. The word "together" contains a schwa in the first syllable, followed by the voiced "th" and the "r" sound at the end. The spelling of this phrase accurately reflects its pronunciation.
The phrase "scrape together" refers to the act of gathering or collecting a limited amount of something, often resources, money, or other valuable items, using great effort and ingenuity. It implies a challenging and arduous task of pooling together meager or insufficient supplies to reach a specific goal or meet a particular need. The term "scrape" alludes to the idea of collecting by any means necessary, often suggesting that the amount gathered is not easily acquired or readily available.
When individuals are faced with financial hardship or difficult circumstances, they might have to scrape together money to pay for essential expenses or unforeseen emergencies. This can involve gathering small amounts from various sources, such as spare change or odd jobs, in a concerted effort to accumulate enough funds. Similarly, people may scrape together resources or materials to complete a project, particularly when the required items are scarce or hard to come by.
The expression "scrape together" also implies resourcefulness and determination; it reflects the resilience and creative problem-solving skills employed to overcome limitations or obstacles. It suggests an improvised approach that requires individuals to exhaust their options, make sacrifices, and marshal every available opportunity to amass what they need. Overall, "scrape together" underscores the concept of making do with what one has, often through strenuous efforts and careful management, in order to achieve a specific objective or fulfill a pressing requirement.
The word "scrape together" is a common idiom used to describe the action of gathering or collecting something, often with difficulty. The etymology of the phrase can be understood by analyzing the meanings of the individual words.
1. Scrape: The word "scrape" originates from the Old Norse word "skrapa", meaning "to scrape or scratch". It evolved over time to refer to the act of removing or collecting something by scraping. In the context of "scrape together", it implies the effort required to obtain or gather something.
2. Together: The word "together" comes from the Old English word "tōgædere", which means "in a group" or "in one place". It is derived from the combination of "tō" (at, near) and "gædere" (together).