The phrase "scrape up" means to collect something that is difficult to obtain. It is spelled with the /sk/ sound represented by "sc" and the /eɪ/ sound represented by "a-e", giving us the pronunciation /skreɪp ʌp/. The first syllable is stressed, resulting in a rhythm of "SKRAPE up". This phrase can be used in a variety of contexts such as "I had to scrape up enough money to pay for my rent" or "He had to scrape up the courage to ask her out on a date".
The phrasal verb "scrape up" refers to the act of gathering or collecting a small amount of something, often with difficulty or by various means. It usually implies the idea of obtaining or acquiring something that may be scarce, scarce resources, or not easily accessible.
Typically used in informal contexts, "scrape up" can be used both literally and figuratively. In its literal usage, it describes the physical action of scraping or collecting small amounts of material from a surface. For instance, one might "scrape up" loose change from the bottom of a purse.
Figuratively, "scrape up" expresses the effort or resourcefulness required to gather or obtain something, often implying a sense of desperation or hardship. For example, someone might "scrape up" enough money to pay their rent after a month of financial struggles. It implies that the person had to make a concerted effort, perhaps by gathering small amounts from different sources or using their limited means creatively.
Overall, "scrape up" describes an action of managing to accumulate or acquire something, usually in a limited or challenging situation. It conveys the notion of using available resources, however scarce they may be, to gather or obtain what is needed.
The word "scrape up" is a verb phrase derived from the combination of the verb "scrape" and the adverb "up".
The verb "scrape" can be traced back to the Old Norse word "skrapa", meaning "to scrape", which eventually evolved into Middle English as "scrapen". It refers to the action of removing or clearing a substance or material by rubbing or scratching with a hard or sharp object.
The adverb "up" is an Old English word with Germanic roots and has retained its meaning of movement in an upward direction.
When combined, the phrase "scrape up" conveys the action of gathering or collecting something by scrapping it together or collecting it from various places. It implies a somewhat difficult or labor-intensive process, as if one is gathering small amounts of something by scraping or collecting it from surfaces.