Scrape up

Pro Tip 1/3

Effort Implied

Suggests effort taken to gather small amounts, often with difficulty or from different sources.

After searching all compartments, he managed to scrape up enough change for the bus fare.

Pro Tip 2/3

Possible Reluctance

May imply reluctance or hesitation before gathering what's needed.

I had to scrape up the courage to speak in front of the entire class.

Pro Tip 3/3

Last Resort

Used when options are limited and one must find whatever is available.

In the empty kitchen, we scraped up a meal from whatever we could find.