Scratch about
verb
To search around or rummage, usually in a hurried or impatient way.
He was scratching about in the drawer looking for his keys.
Often appears as...
- scratch about for answers
- scratch about in the drawer
Usage tips
Informal
Colloquial
verb
In the context of animals, to scrape or dig with the claws or feet.
The chickens were scratching about in the dirt.
Often appears as...
- chickens scratch about
- dogs scratch about
verb
To search around or rummage, usually in a hurried or impatient way.
He was scratching about in the drawer looking for his keys.
Often appears as...
- scratch about for answers
- scratch about in the drawer
Usage tips
Informal
Colloquial
verb
In the context of animals, to scrape or dig with the claws or feet.
The chickens were scratching about in the dirt.
Often appears as...
- chickens scratch about
- dogs scratch about
Definition 1 of 2
Pro Tip 1/3Hasty Searching
Implies looking for something quickly without being organized.
She scratched about the office for her lost report.
Pro Tip 2/3Impatience Implied
Suggests the person is getting frustrated or desperate while looking.
The kids were scratching about for their toys before the trip.
Pro Tip 3/3Visual Intensity
Often used to create a vivid picture of someone rummaging through something.
He was scratching about the attic, sweat on his brow.
Pro Tip 1/3Hasty Searching
Implies looking for something quickly without being organized.
She scratched about the office for her lost report.
Pro Tip 2/3Impatience Implied
Suggests the person is getting frustrated or desperate while looking.
The kids were scratching about for their toys before the trip.
Pro Tip 3/3Visual Intensity
Often used to create a vivid picture of someone rummaging through something.
He was scratching about the attic, sweat on his brow.
Pro Tip 1/3Hasty Searching
Implies looking for something quickly without being organized.
She scratched about the office for her lost report.
Pro Tip 2/3Impatience Implied
Suggests the person is getting frustrated or desperate while looking.
The kids were scratching about for their toys before the trip.
Pro Tip 3/3Visual Intensity
Often used to create a vivid picture of someone rummaging through something.
He was scratching about the attic, sweat on his brow.
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