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scrape up

B1 informal separable transitive
In simple words

To find just enough money or other things you need, even though it takes a lot of effort.

Literal meaning: To scrape (gather small particles) up (from the floor or surface) — gathering what little there is.

Meanings

1 B1 idiomatic informal

To manage to gather or obtain enough money for a specific purpose, despite difficulty.

"She could barely scrape up the bus fare to get to the job interview."

Grammar: separable
2 B2 idiomatic informal

To gather or summon something intangible such as courage, energy, or support with difficulty.

"He scraped up every ounce of courage he had and knocked on her door."

Grammar: separable
3 B1 neutral

To clean or clear a surface by scraping material upward or away from it.

"Scrape up any remaining wax from the floor before applying the new polish."

Grammar: separable
Usage notes

Most frequently used with money. Also used for gathering facts, evidence, or courage. Very close to 'scrape together'; both are widely used and interchangeable in most contexts.

Commonly used with

money cash funds courage fare deposit

Forms

Base
scrape up
I/you/we/they
3rd person
scrapes up
he/she/it
Past simple
scraped up
yesterday
Past participle
scraped up
have + pp
-ing form
scraping up
continuous

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Synonyms

scrape together muster up come up with gather up round up pool together

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