Where did the saying up to scratch originate?
The phrase up to scratch appeared sometime in the mid-1800s, and originated in the sport of boxing. When boxing was bare-knuckled, the opponents were required to stand with their toes against a scratch in the ground at the start of every round.
What’s the origin of idiom?
The first records of the term idiom come from the 1560s. It ultimately comes from the Greek idíōma, meaning “peculiarity” or “specific property.” Idioms exist in even the most ancient languages. Idioms are a type of figure of speech.
What does the idiom come up to scratch mean?
chiefly British, informal. : good enough : as good as expected or wanted —usually used in negative statements Her performance wasn’t up to scratch.
Where did the saying on the up and up come from?
The idiom on the up and up—whose exact origins are mysterious, though it dates from the late 19th century, is likely American, and appears to come from sports betting—means (1) open and honest, legitimate; and (2) on the rise.
Why do they call it scratch golfer?
‘Scratch Golfer’ In Common Usage In common usage, “scratch golfer” means that the golfer being referred to has a handicap of 0 or below. Among golfers who don’t have handicaps, references to “scratch golfer” are to a golfer whose average score for a round of golf is par or better.
What’s another way to say start from scratch?
What is another word for start from scratch?
| go back to square one | begin again |
|---|---|
| go back to the drawing board | make a fresh start |
| make a new beginning | wipe the slate clean |
What’s the origin of blowing smoke?
The origin of this idiom came from the old magicians tricking style, when they release smoke to conceal the minor tricks they perform to proof their magic.
What are the 5 idioms?
Five idioms every English student should know
- Get your act together (Meaning: you need to improve your behaviour/work)
- Pull yourself together (Meaning: calm down)
- I’m feeling under the weather (Meaning: I’m sick)
- It’s a piece of cake (Meaning: it’s easy)
- Break a leg (Meaning: good luck!)
Does it come up to scratch?
To be or become as good as what was expected, required, or demanded; to become satisfactory or adequate.
What does the phrase all right tell us?
If you say that someone or something is all right, you mean that you find them satisfactory or acceptable.
What does not inconsiderable mean?
Definition of not inconsiderable formal. : large enough in size or amount to be considered important a woman of great beauty and not inconsiderable wealth.
What does the phrase on the up and up mean?
honest
Definition of on the up and up 1 US : honest and legal I don’t want to do anything dishonest. Let’s keep everything on the up and up. 2 British : becoming more successful He recently got a promotion and is on the up and up.