SCRATCH Meaning and
Definition
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Scratch is a versatile word that can be used as a noun, verb, adjective, or adverb. As a noun, it refers to a superficial injury or mark made on the surface of the skin, typically caused by scratching or scraping. It can also refer to a slight incision or abrasion on an object's surface. In a broader sense, scratch can denote a starting point or the early stages of something, such as a project or endeavor.
As a verb, scratch can have multiple meanings. It commonly refers to the act of using nails or something sharp to relieve an itch or remove an irritant from the skin's surface. It can also mean to scrape or rub against something, causing abrasion or removing a layer. In another context, scratch signifies the act of canceling or eliminating plans or arrangements. Additionally, it can mean to create or produce something quickly and with limited resources, often improvised.
When used as an adjective, scratch describes something that is improvised, preliminary, or done without previous preparation. For instance, a scratch meal implies a makeshift dish prepared with limited ingredients or time. As an adverb, scratch means starting from nothing or without any resources or advantages.
Overall, scratch encompasses various interpretations depending on its usage, including a skin injury, a starting point, an improvised action, or a cancellation.
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• A slight, rough, surface-wound by rubbing with anything pointed or ragged; laceration with the nails; a slight, rough, lined mark on anything; a line across a prize-ring up to which the combatants are brought when they begin to box-hence, in familiar language, test, trial, or proof.
• To slightly mark or tear the surface of anything, as by the nails or by claws; to dig or excavate with the claws; to erase or rub out; to use nails or claws to tear or wound slightly; to rub with the nails.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Top Common Misspellings for SCRATCH *
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
Other Common Misspellings for SCRATCH
Etymology of SCRATCH
The word "scratch" comes from the Middle English word "scratchen", which is a variant of "scratten". It can be traced back to the Old Norse word "skratta", meaning "to scratch". The Old Norse word eventually evolved into the Middle English "scratchen", which originally referred to the action of scratching on a surface or making marks by scraping. Over time, the word broadened in meaning to include various related actions, such as scratching an itch, scratching to remove something, or scratching to create a mark or inscription.
Idioms with the word SCRATCH
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scratch your head
The idiom "scratch your head" means to be puzzled, confused, or unable to understand something. It implies the act of physically scratching one's head as a gesture of perplexity.
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from scratch
The idiom "from scratch" means to start from the very beginning or to create something from the most basic or initial stage without using any pre-existing resources or materials. It implies starting a process, task, or project without any prior advantage or assistance.
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up to scratch
The idiom "up to scratch" means to meet the necessary standard or level of quality, proficiency, or performance.
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not be up to scratch
The idiom "not be up to scratch" means that something or someone does not meet the expected or required standard, level of quality, or skill level. It implies that the performance or condition of the subject falls short of what is considered acceptable or satisfactory.
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start from scratch
The idiom "start from scratch" means to begin a task or project from the very beginning or with no previous work or preparations. It implies starting with nothing and building or developing something from the ground up.
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scratch at sth
To "scratch at something" is an idiomatic expression that means to persistently and continuously try to obtain or achieve something, usually with little success or progress. It implies a relentless or desperate effort to achieve a desired outcome.
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scratch sm's back
The idiom "scratch someone's back" means to do a favor or perform an act of kindness for someone with the hope or expectation that they will do something in return.
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scratch sm or sth up
The idiom "scratch sm or sth up" means to cause minor damage or to create superficial marks or scratches on something or someone. It refers to the act of unintentionally or carelessly damaging the surface of an object or person by either scraping, rubbing, or abrading it.
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scratch sm or sth out
The idiom "scratch sm or sth out" typically means to hastily write or create something with little effort or planning, often resulting in a rough or incomplete version. It can also refer to removing or erasing something quickly or negligently.
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scratch sm or sth from sth
The idiom "scratch someone or something from something" means to eliminate or remove someone or something from a list, plan, or consideration. It implies disregarding or excluding a person or item.
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scratch head
The idiom "scratch head" refers to a behavior where someone rubs or scratches their head as a reaction to confusion, bewilderment, or perplexity. It suggests a state of puzzlement and an attempt to think or find a solution to a problem.
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scratch one's head
The idiom "scratch one's head" means to be confused or puzzled about something and to think deeply or struggle to find a solution or understanding.
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scratch back
The idiom "scratch back" refers to a mutual favor or act of reciprocation. It implies the act of helping or assisting someone who has helped or assisted you in the past. It emphasizes the concept of returning a favor or showing gratitude by doing something in return for someone else.
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scratch your head (over something)
When someone is "scratching their head over something," it means they are puzzled, confused, or unable to understand something. They are contemplating or thinking deeply about a particular matter, usually because it is perplexing or difficult to comprehend.
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not up to scratch
The idiom "not up to scratch" means that something or someone is not of the expected or desired standard or quality. It suggests that the person or thing is not performing at its best or is below par.
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scratch someone's back
The idiom "scratch someone's back" means to do something for someone in order to gain a favor or receive something in return.
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do something from scratch
The idiom "do something from scratch" means to start or create something entirely from the beginning, without any previous work, assistance, or existing resources. It implies starting with the most fundamental elements or raw materials and building everything up step by step.
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scratch A and you'll find B
The idiom "scratch A and you'll find B" refers to the idea that there is a hidden underlying truth or connection between two things or people. It suggests that if you dig deeper or investigate one aspect, you will discover a related or deeper aspect. It implies that there is a connection or association that may not be immediately apparent.
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scratch and find
The idiom "scratch and find" typically refers to a situation or process in which one must exert effort or take action in order to uncover or discover something hidden or unknown. It can imply diligent searching, investigation, or exploration to uncover information, opportunity, or solutions. It suggests that the desired outcome is not readily apparent but can be revealed through active engagement.
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scratch for (one)self
The idiom "scratch for (one)self" means to rely solely on one's own efforts, resources, or abilities to achieve something, usually in challenging or difficult circumstances, without any external assistance or support. It implies that a person has to make do with what they have and find solutions independently to overcome obstacles or meet their needs.
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scratch about
The idiom "scratch about" means to search or look through things in a haphazard or aimless manner, often to find something specific or to search for a solution or answer. It implies a lack of organization or direction in the search.
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not up to scratch and not up to snuff
The idiom "not up to scratch" and "not up to snuff" have similar meanings and are used interchangeably. Here are the definitions:
1. Not up to scratch: It means that something or someone is not satisfactory, not up to the required standard or level of quality. It suggests that the performance or quality is unsatisfactory or below expectations.
2. Not up to snuff: It has the same meaning as "not up to scratch," indicating that someone or something is not up to the expected standard or level of quality. It implies a lack of competence, performance, or quality that falls short of what is considered acceptable.
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scratch away
The idiom "scratch away" typically means to remove or eliminate something gradually or persistently by scratching or scraping at it. It can also refer to the act of working hard or persistently towards a goal or task.
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scratch beneath the surface
The idiom "scratch beneath the surface" means to look deeper or investigate further beyond the first or superficial impressions or information. It implies delving beneath the apparent or visible aspects in order to discover the true or hidden nature of something or someone.
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have (hand)writing like chicken scratch
The idiom "have (hand)writing like chicken scratch" refers to someone whose handwriting is illegible or messy, resembling the haphazard scribbles or marks made by a chicken's claws. It implies that the writing is difficult to read or understand due to its poor quality or lack of clarity.
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scratch the surface (of something)
The idiom "scratch the surface (of something)" means to do or understand just the shallow or superficial aspects of a topic, issue, or problem without delving deeper into its complexities or nuances. It implies only acquiring basic knowledge or information about something, without truly comprehending its complete extent or deeper layers.
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scratch sth away
To "scratch something away" means to remove or eliminate something by rubbing or scraping it with force or intensity, usually using one's fingernails or a sharp object. This idiom can be used both in a literal sense, such as scratching away dirt or a stain, as well as figuratively, such as scratching away doubts or worries.
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you scratch my back and I'll scratch yours
The idiom "you scratch my back and I'll scratch yours" means that two people agree to help each other mutually, typically by exchanging favors or assistance. It implies reciprocity and a willingness to assist each other to achieve their respective goals or satisfy their respective needs.
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if you scratch my back, I’ll scratch yours
The idiom "if you scratch my back, I’ll scratch yours" refers to a mutual understanding or arrangement where two people agree to help or support each other in reciprocal ways. It implies that if one person does a favor or provides assistance to the other, then that person is expected to reciprocate and offer a favor or support in return. This idiom commonly signifies the importance of mutual cooperation and the expectation of a fair exchange of benefits or assistance.
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(one's) (hand)writing is like chicken scratch
The idiom "(one's) (hand)writing is like chicken scratch" means that someone's handwriting is very messy, illegible, or difficult to read. It implies that the writing resembles the uneven and disorderly scrawl often associated with chickens scratching the ground.
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you scratch my back and I’ll scratch yours
The idiom "you scratch my back and I’ll scratch yours" means that when you do a favor for someone, they will return the favor in the future. It implies a mutual exchange of help or assistance between two people, where both parties benefit from helping each other.
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like tryin' to scratch your ear with your elbow
The idiom "like tryin' to scratch your ear with your elbow" means attempting to do something that is inherently impossible or extremely difficult to accomplish. It refers to a task or action that is utterly impractical or unattainable.
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scratch the surface
The idiom "scratch the surface" means to only superficially understand, examine, or explore something without delving deeply into its complexities or uncovering its true essence. It implies that there is much more to discover or comprehend beyond what is immediately obvious or visible.
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scratch/scrape the surface
The idiom "scratch/scrape the surface" means to only understand or explore something superficially or briefly, without delving into the deeper or more important aspects of it. It suggests that one has only skimmed the surface or had a cursory understanding of the subject or task at hand.
Similar spelling words for SCRATCH
- scartella,
- scratcher,
- socratic,
- scratching,
- schartz,
- scardina,
- scratchy,
- schroth,
- scratch up,
- scratched,
- scratchpad.
Conjugate verb Scratch
CONDITIONAL
I
would scratch
you
would scratch
he/she/it
would scratch
we
would scratch
they
would scratch
CONDITIONAL CONTINUOUS
I
would be scratching
you
would be scratching
he/she/it
would be scratching
we
would be scratching
they
would be scratching
CONDITIONAL PERFECT
I
would have scratch
you
would have scratch
he/she/it
would have scratch
we
would have scratch
they
would have scratch
CONDITIONAL PERFECT CONTINUOUS
I
would have been scratching
you
would have been scratching
he/she/it
would have been scratching
we
would have been scratching
they
would have been scratching
FUTURE
I
will scratch
you
will scratch
he/she/it
will scratch
we
will scratch
they
will scratch
FUTURE CONTINUOUS
I
will be scratching
you
will be scratching
he/she/it
will be scratching
we
will be scratching
they
will be scratching
FUTURE PERFECT
I
will have scratched
you
will have scratched
he/she/it
will have scratched
we
will have scratched
they
will have scratched
FUTURE PERFECT CONTINUOUS
I
will have been scratching
you
will have been scratching
he/she/it
will have been scratching
we
will have been scratching
they
will have been scratching
IMPERATIVE
you
scratch
we
let´s scratch
to scratch
PAST
I
scratched
you
scratched
he/she/it
scratched
we
scratched
they
scratched
PAST CONTINUOUS
I
was scratching
you
were scratching
he/she/it
was scratching
we
were scratching
they
were scratching
PAST PARTICIPLE
scratched
PAST PERFECT
I
had scratched
you
had scratched
he/she/it
had scratched
we
had scratched
they
had scratched
PAST PERFECT CONTINUOUS
I
had been scratching
you
had been scratching
he/she/it
had been scratching
we
had been scratching
they
had been scratching
PRESENT
I
scratch
you
scratch
he/she/it
scratches
we
scratch
they
scratch
PRESENT CONTINUOUS
I
am scratching
you
are scratching
he/she/it
is scratching
we
are scratching
they
are scratching
PRESENT PARTICIPLE
scratching
PRESENT PERFECT
I
have scratched
you
have scratched
he/she/it
has scratched
we
have scratched
they
have scratched
PRESENT PERFECT CONTINUOUS
I
have been scratching
you
have been scratching
he/she/it
has been scratching
we
have been scratching
they
have been scratching
I
would have scratched
we
would have scratched
you
would have scratched
he/she/it
would have scratched
they
would have scratched
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