scrape together
B1 informal separable transitive
In simple words
To slowly gather just enough money, people, or things you need, even though it is really hard.
Literal meaning: To scrape (gather small bits from a surface) together (into one pile) — gathering scarce fragments to make a whole.
Meanings
1 B1
idiomatic
informal
To collect enough money for something, usually with great difficulty.
"They scraped together enough money for a deposit on their first flat by saving for three years."
Grammar: separable
2 B2
idiomatic
informal
To assemble a group of people or a collection of items with difficulty.
"The coach could only scrape together eleven players for the match after three withdrew injured."
Grammar: separable
Usage notes
Most commonly used with money, but also with people, resources, or information. Implies scarcity and effort. Very natural in both British and American English. Can suggest a last-minute or desperate effort.
Commonly used with
money funds cash team evidence resources
Forms
Base
scrape together
I/you/we/they
3rd person
scrapes together
he/she/it
Past simple
scraped together
yesterday
Past participle
scraped together
have + pp
-ing form
scraping together
continuous
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Synonyms
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