1 B1 idiomatic informal
To have just barely enough money to live on, with nothing left over.
"They were scraping by on two part-time jobs while looking for better work."
inseparable
scrape by
B1 informal inseparable intransitive
To have just enough money or resources to manage, with nothing to spare.
In plain English
To have just barely enough money to live — not comfortable, but not homeless either.
What does "scrape by" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B2 idiomatic informal
To pass an exam, test, or challenge with the minimum required score or effort.
"I only scraped by on the driving test — I made three minor errors."
inseparable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To scrape (barely touch a surface) as you pass by — extended to mean barely managing to get through.
Actually means
To have just barely enough money to live — not comfortable, but not homeless either.
Usage tip
Very common in everyday speech. Often followed by 'on' ('scrape by on minimum wage'). Can also mean to pass an exam or test with a very low score. Widely used in both British and American English.
Words that pair with "scrape by"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
wages income pension budget exam test
How to conjugate "scrape by"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
scrape by
I/you/we/they
3rd person
scrapes by
he/she/it
Past simple
scraped by
yesterday
Past participle
scraped by
have + pp
-ing form
scraping by
continuous
Hear "scrape by" in the wild
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Other ways to say "scrape by"
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