scramble up
To climb up something fast but in a messy, clumsy way, like using your hands and feet together.
Meanings
To climb upward quickly and with some difficulty, using hands and feet.
"The children scrambled up the muddy hillside, laughing as they slipped and grabbed at roots."
To rise or get to a higher position hurriedly and with effort, often in a competitive or urgent situation.
"When the whistle blew, the players scrambled up from the bench and rushed onto the field."
Typically intransitive ('she scrambled up the hill'), but can be transitive ('she scrambled up the rocky slope'). Evokes urgency, roughness, or informality of movement. Common in adventure, travel, and sports writing.
Commonly used with
Forms
Understand "scramble up" better
Real video examples
Video examples are being collected. Check back soon.
Synonyms
Want to master this phrasal verb?
Practice "scramble up" on Looplines