come to the scratch
The phrase "come to the scratch" originates from prizefighting, where fighters had to step up to a mark to start a contest.
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Definition
C1General
(figurative, colloquial)To confront a challenge with courage and determination.
Example
- When faced with the tough project, she came to the scratch and delivered excellent results.
C1General
(colloquial)To meet a required standard or expectation.
Example
- The new employee really came to the scratch, exceeding all our expectations.
Similar
Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "come to the scratch":
scratch outcome toscratch racescratch an itchcome atcome to the partyscratch sheetfrom scratchcome on downscratch one's own itchcome foron the come