scuffle

C1 · Advanced Countable noun Slang

n. a difficult life where you do not have much money.

n. a state of financial hardship or the constant effort required to survive on a low income.

“He grew up in the scuffle, so he knows the value of a dollar.”

“Many artists endure the daily scuffle for years before seeing any significant financial return on their creative work.”

C2 · Proficiency Countable noun Cooking Technical

n. a type of garden tool used for removing weeds.

n. a type of hoe with a blade parallel to the ground, operated by a pushing and pulling motion to sever weed roots.

“Use the scuffle to clear the weeds between the rows of vegetables.”

“The gardener preferred a long-handled scuffle for weeding the gravel paths, as it allowed for efficient clearance without disturbing the deeper soil layers.”

B2 · Upper Intermediate

v. to have a short, disorganized fight with someone.

v. to engage in a confused or disorderly struggle at close range.

“The two players scuffled for the ball near the sideline.”

“Police officers scuffled briefly with the crowd as they attempted to clear a path for the official vehicle.”

C1 · Advanced Literary

v. to walk while dragging your feet along the ground.

v. to walk with a shuffling gait, often making a soft scraping sound.

“The old man scuffled down the hallway in his loose slippers.”

“He scuffled across the dry leaves, the sound of his footsteps echoing through the silent woods.”

C1 · Advanced Slang

v. to work hard and barely make enough money to live.

v. to struggle to make a living or get by on a very low income.

“She had to scuffle for months to pay off her student loans.”

“In a city with such high rents, many young professionals are forced to scuffle just to afford a shared apartment.”