Differences between scrape through and scrape up

Scrape through means to barely pass or succeed in something, while scrape up means to gather or collect something with difficulty.

Meanings and Definitions: scrape through vs scrape up

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

Scrape through

1Pass a test but only just.
I did no revision and only just SCRAPED THROUGH the final exams.

Scrape up

1Manage to collect enough of something you need, usually money.
It took me ages to SCRAPE UP the money for the tickets.

Usage Examples: scrape through, scrape up in Sentences

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

scrape through

Example

I didn't study much, but I managed to scrape through the test.

Example

She always scrapes through her exams with minimal effort.

scrape up

Example

I need to scrape up enough money to buy a new laptop.

Example

She scrapes up some extra cash by doing odd jobs.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Scrape through

barely make it

To just manage to do something, usually with difficulty or by a narrow margin.

Example

He barely made it to the airport on time and had to run to catch his flight.

pass by the skin of one's teeth

To pass an exam or complete a task with only a small margin of success.

Example

She passed her driving test by the skin of her teeth after making several mistakes during the exam.

squeeze through

To pass or succeed in something with difficulty or by a narrow margin.

Example

He squeezed through the final exam with a passing grade, despite struggling with the course material.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Scrape up

gather with difficulty

To collect or accumulate something with effort or difficulty.

Example

She had to gather all the necessary documents with difficulty to apply for the visa.

cobble together

To put together something with whatever resources or materials are available, often in a makeshift or improvised way.

Example

He had to cobble together a presentation with limited information and no visual aids.

dig up

To find or discover something that was hidden or difficult to locate.

Example

She had to dig up some old photos from the attic for the family reunion.

Explore more Phrasal Verbs

Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles

Phrasal Verbs with “scrape”

Phrasal Verbs with “through”

Phrasal Verbs with “up”

Differences in scrape through vs scrape up: Usage, Formality, and Tone

Frequency in Daily Use: scrape through or scrape up?

Both phrases are used in everyday conversation, but scrape up is more common than scrape through. Scrape up is used in various contexts, such as collecting money, resources, or information. Scrape through is used less frequently and mainly in academic or professional settings when referring to passing an exam or meeting a deadline.

Informal vs Formal: Contextual Use of scrape through and scrape up

Scrape through and scrape up are informal phrases suitable for casual conversations. However, scrape up can be used in more formal settings depending on the context, while scrape through is less appropriate for formal situations.

Tone and Implication: The Nuances of scrape through and scrape up

The tone of scrape through and scrape up can differ based on context. Scrape through often carries a relieved or grateful tone when referring to barely passing an exam or completing a task just in time. On the other hand, scrape up typically has a determined or resourceful tone, especially when referring to gathering resources or information with difficulty.

scrape through & scrape up: Synonyms and Antonyms

Scrape through

Synonyms

barely pass
narrowly succeed
just make it
squeak by
eke out

Antonyms

fail
fall short
miss the mark
not make it
come up short

Scrape up

Synonyms

Antonyms