Phrasal verb
scrape through
Definition
phrasal verb. You use this when you just barely manage to succeed at something, like an exam. It means you pass, but only by a very small amount.
phrasal verb. To succeed in a task, competition, or examination by the narrowest of margins. It functions as an inseparable phrasal verb that can be used both transitively and intransitively.
Examples
“He manages to scrape through his exams every year.”
“Even though she didn't study much, she managed to scrape through the final interview and get the job.”
“The coalition government only managed to scrape through the confidence motion after promising major policy shifts to the independent members.”
Examples
simple
“He manages to scrape through his exams every year.”
contextual
“Even though she didn't study much, she managed to scrape through the final interview and get the job.”
complex
“The coalition government only managed to scrape through the confidence motion after promising major policy shifts to the independent members.”
Usage
This is most often used with exams, elections, or difficult qualifying rounds in sports.
Teaching tip
Contrast this with 'sail through' to help students visualize the difference between a difficult struggle and an easy success.
Pitfall
She scraped the test through.
She scraped through the test.
This phrasal verb is inseparable, meaning the object cannot be placed between the verb and the particle.
Phrasal verb
Particles
through
Separability
inseparable
Pattern
scrape + through + object
Synonyms
Antonyms
Grammar
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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