# scratch together

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/scratch-together
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

To collect, assemble or gather small amounts (especially of money), from various sources, with some difficulty; to scrape together.

## Examples

- I need to scratch together enough money for the rent.
- We had to scratch together some spare change from the couch cushions just to pay for our lunch.
- Despite the sudden economic downturn, the small business owner managed to scratch together enough capital to keep the shop open for another month.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.