scratch together
B2 informal separable transitive
In simple words
To slowly find and collect just enough of something you need, usually with a lot of effort.
Meanings
1 B2
idiomatic
informal
To collect just enough money or resources for a purpose, with significant difficulty.
"They scratched together enough cash for one night in a hostel and a train ticket home."
Grammar: separable
2 B2
idiomatic
informal
To assemble a group or team with difficulty, often from whatever is available.
"The manager scratched together a makeshift squad after injuries hit the first team."
Grammar: separable
Usage notes
A less common variant of 'scrape together'. Carries the same meaning and is used in the same contexts — money, teams, resources. More likely to appear in spoken American English.
Commonly used with
money team funds players crew resources
Forms
Base
scratch together
I/you/we/they
3rd person
scratches together
he/she/it
Past simple
scratched together
yesterday
Past participle
scratched together
have + pp
-ing form
scratching together
continuous
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Synonyms
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