From scratch: Learn what the means through example!

What does “From scratch” mean?

"From scratch" means starting from the very beginning or with no previous progress or work done.

What context can I use the in?

Example

I built this website from scratch.

Example

She cooked a delicious meal from scratch using only fresh ingredients.

Example

He had to learn the language from scratch before he could communicate with the locals

Is “From scratch” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?

“From scratch” is a proverb. A proverb is a short saying that teaches us something important or gives us advice. Unlike an idiom, it’s easy to understand even if it uses figurative language.

How would I use “From scratch” effectively in context?

You can use "From Scratch" to describe starting something completely anew, without any previous progress or work done. It emphasizes the idea of beginning from the very beginning. For example, if someone asks how you made a website, you can say, 'I built it "from scratch",' meaning that you started with a blank canvas and created everything yourself.

• 1. Cooking

  She cooked a delicious meal from scratch using only fresh ingredients.

• 2. Learning

  He had to learn the language from scratch before he could communicate with the locals.

• 3. Creation

  The artist decided to paint the masterpiece from scratch, without any reference or pre-existing sketches.

Similar phrases to “From scratch”:

Start from square one

To begin again from the very beginning

Example

After the failed experiment, they had to start from square one.

Build something from the ground up

To create or develop something from the very beginning

Example

He built his successful business from the ground up.

Start with a clean slate

To begin fresh without any past mistakes or baggage

Example

After the divorce, she decided to start with a clean slate and move to a new city.

Good things to know:

Where does the phrase “From scratch” come from?

The origin of the phrase "From Scratch" is unknown.

Is “From scratch” common in everyday conversation?

Yes, "From Scratch" is a commonly used expression in everyday conversation. People often use it to describe starting something completely anew or emphasizing that they have built or created something from the very beginning.

What tone does “From scratch” have?

"From Scratch" conveys a tone of determination and resourcefulness. It implies that the person is willing to put in the effort and start from the ground up to achieve their goal.

Can “From scratch” be used in informal and formal settings?

Yes, "From Scratch" can be used in both informal and formal settings. It's a versatile expression that describes the process of starting something anew. You can use it in everyday conversations with friends, family, and colleagues, as well as in more formal situations such as presentations, meetings, or professional correspondence.

Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?

It's commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'She built the business "from scratch".' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'Starting "from scratch"!' to imply the beginning of a new project or endeavor.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

• begin from the beginning
• start afresh
• commence from scratch
• start from zero
• start from the bottom

Antonyms

• continue from where one left off
• pick up where one left off
• build on existing work
• start with a head start