Scrape through

usgb
verb

To just make it through a difficult or tight situation.

Tom is struggling with his studies, but he managed to scrape through the final exam.
Visual representation of "scrape through" - to just make it through a difficult or tight situation

Often appears as...

  • scrape through an exam
  • scrape through by the skin of one's teeth

Usage tips

Informal

Definition 1 of 1
Visual representation of "scrape through"
LampPro Tip 1/3

Effort Implied

The phrase suggests that success was achieved with great effort and usually at the last moment.

Illustration for Effort Implied
He scraped through his driving test after many failed attempts.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Bare Minimum

It implies doing just enough to meet the basic requirements, without excelling.

Illustration for Bare Minimum
She managed to scrape through the interview with the minimum required score.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Slight Success

Offers a sense of relief or narrow escape from failure, and not a robust success.

Illustration for Slight Success
Despite being ill, he scraped through the marathon just before the cutoff time.
Visual representation of the word "Scrape through"

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