scrape
[verb]
Synonyms:
- graze, bark, rub, scratch, scuff, skin
- rub, clean, erase, remove, scour
- grate, grind, rasp, scratch, squeak
- scrimp, pinch, save, skimp, stint
- scrape through: get by (informal), just make it, struggle
[noun]
Synonyms:
- predicament, awkward situation, difficulty, dilemma, fix (informal), mess, plight, tight spot

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Related Idioms: cut it (or the corner) pretty close, have a close shave
Related Words: graze, rub, scuff, abrade, chafe, grind, struggle, get along, get by, trouble, discomfiture, embarrassment

[TahlilGaran] English Synonym Dictionary ▲

I. scrape¹ /skreɪp/ verb
[Date: 1300-1400; Language: Old Norse; Origin: skrapa]

1. [transitive] to remove something from a surface using the edge of a knife, a stick etc:
Scrape the carrots and slice them thinly.
scrape something away/off
The earth was scraped away to uncover a trapdoor.
scrape something off/into etc something
Teresa scraped the mud off her boots.
The two of them scraped their dishes clean.

2. [intransitive, transitive always + adverb/preposition] to rub against a rough surface in a way that causes slight damage or injury, or to make something do this ⇒ graze:
The coat was too long; the hem scraped the pavement.
scrape against/on etc
I heard the side of the car scrape against the wall.
scrape something against/on something
I scraped my knee painfully on the concrete.

3. [intransitive and transitive] to make a noise by rubbing roughly against a surface:
Chairs scraped loudly as they stood up.
scrape (something) on/down/against something
He opened the gate quietly, trying not to let it scrape on the gravel.

4. scrape home especially British English to win a race, election, or competition by a very small amount:
The Tories may scrape home, but it’s unlikely.

5. scrape (the bottom of) the barrel informal to have to use something even though it is not very good, because there is nothing better available:
It was clear that the party was scraping the barrel for competent politicians.
⇒ bow and scrape at bow¹(5), ⇒ scrape/scratch a living at living²(1)
scrape something ↔ back phrasal verb
if you scrape your hair back, you pull it away from your face and tie it at the back:
Her blonde hair was scraped back into a ponytail.
scrape by phrasal verb

1. to have just enough money to live:
We can scrape by, thanks to what we grow ourselves.

2. to only just succeed in passing an examination or dealing with a difficult situation
scrape in (also scrape into something) phrasal verb
to only just succeed in getting a job, a place at university, a position in government etc:
Labour scraped in by a small majority.
He just scraped into college.
scrape through (something) phrasal verb
to only just succeed in passing an examination or dealing with a difficult situation:
I managed to scrape through the exam.
scrape something ↔ together/up phrasal verb
to get enough money for a particular purpose, when this is difficult:
She scraped together the last of her savings.
They could hardly scrape up enough money for the train fare.

[TahlilGaran] Dictionary of Contemporary English ▲

II. scrape² noun

1. [countable] a mark or slight injury caused by rubbing against a rough surface Synonym : graze:
I came away from the accident with only cuts and scrapes.

2. [countable] informal a situation in which you are in trouble or have difficulties:
He got into all sorts of scrapes as a boy.

3. [singular] the noise made when one surface rubs roughly against another
scrape of
He heard the scrape of chairs being dragged across the floor.

[TahlilGaran] Dictionary of Contemporary English ▲

scrape
verb
ADV. carefully, gently She carefully scraped away the top layer of paint.
away, back, off I scraped the dirt off.
PREP. against He scraped the car against the garage wall.
along Patrick lifted the gate to prevent it scraping along the ground.
from Her hair was scraped back from her face.
on I scraped my elbow on the wall as I cycled past.
with I scraped the carrots with a knife.
PHRASES scrape sth clean The wood had been scraped clean.
PHRASAL VERBS scrape through
ADV. (only) just He only just scraped through his exams.
VERB + SCRAPE manage to The Conservatives managed to scrape through to an election victory.

[TahlilGaran] Collocations Dictionary ▲

scrape
skreɪp
See: bow and scrape

[TahlilGaran] English Idioms Dictionary ▲