from scratch

Idioms and Phrases

From the very beginning, from the outset; from nothing. For example, I knew we'd have a problem from scratch . Similarly, to start from scratch means “to start from the very beginning,” as in After the business failed, they decided to reorganize and start from scratch . This term comes from racing, where a competitor starts from the line scratched into the ground (whereas others may start ahead with a handicap). [Mid-1800s] Also see from the ground up ; from the word go .

Example Sentences

“They have a start-from-scratch personality,” he says and must face constant but always changing adversity on their own.

From The Daily Beast

Try the banana French toast, the made-from-scratch buttermilk pancakes, or a dreamy egg combination.

From The Daily Beast