Start from Scratch | Phrase Definition, Origin & Examples (2024)

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You use the term ‘Start from Scratch’ to indicate that you’re beginning from the very start without previous preparation or advantage.

Example of use: “We don’t have a lot of money so we’re going to have to start from scratch.”

Interesting fact about Start from Scratch

The term ‘start from scratch’ comes from the game of cricket, where strikers are admonished to keep their bats on the scratch line. The term was first seen in 1778.

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Start from Scratch | Phrase Definition, Origin & Examples (2024)

FAQs

Start from Scratch | Phrase Definition, Origin & Examples? ›

To create something from scratch is to make it without any ingredients or materials prepared ahead of time. The scratch in from scratch originally referred to the starting line of a race "scratched" into the ground, from which all runners would be starting without a head start.

Where did the phrase "starting from scratch" come from? ›

The term 'start from scratch' comes from the game of cricket, where strikers are admonished to keep their bats on the scratch line. The term was first seen in 1778.

What is the origin of come up to scratch? ›

It is believed to originate from the days of bare-knuckle fighting, where the contest began with the fighters facing off while standing on either side of a line SCRATCHED on the dirt in the middle of the boxing ring. A fighter who was ready to take part stood at the line and was, therefore, up to scratch.

What is the meaning of "started from scratch"? ›

to create something completely new, rather than adding to something that already exists. She moved to a strange place where she had to make new friends and start a new life from scratch.

What is the idiom for start from scratch? ›

Detailed Solution

The correct answer is 'To begin from the very beginning. ' Given Idiom: Start from scratch means to start doing something over from the beginning. Example: It's completely ruined, so we'll have to start from scratch.

What is an example of up to scratch? ›

He works closely with his international suppliers to ensure that the ingredients are always up to scratch. This Government is being honest with the public about the quality of care at local hospitals and taking tough action where standards are not up to scratch.

What is a synonym for "from scratch"? ›

Synonyms: from the start, from the beginning, from nothing, going back to square one (informal), from zero, starting from zero, from the top (informal), over , over again, from the very beginning, from raw materials, ab initio.

Do not start from scratch.? ›

The most creative innovations are often new combinations of old ideas. Innovative thinkers don't create, they connect. Furthermore, the most effective way to make progress is usually by making 1 percent improvements to what already works rather than breaking down the whole system and starting over.

What does "scratch" mean in slang? ›

: to gather money or make a living by hard work and especially through irregular means and sacrifice.

What does it mean to do something from scratch? ›

If you do something from scratch, you do it without making use of anything that has been done before. Building a home from scratch can be both exciting and challenging. It was a firm that he had started from scratch.

What does it mean to start a business from scratch? ›

The adage “start from scratch” means beginning a project with various pieces and incorporating each piece into the project to make one cohesive product. Starting a business from scratch is where most small business owners begin; taking a passion and skills and combining each with real world applications.

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