Scratch around
verb
To search for something.
I was scratching around in the basement, looking for my old baseball cards.
Often appears as...
- scratch around for
- scratch around in
Usage tips
Colloquial
verb
To manage to get or make something by chance or by working hard.
She managed to scratch around enough money to buy the car.
Often appears as...
- scratch around money
- scratch around enough
Usage tips
Colloquial
verb
To search for something.
I was scratching around in the basement, looking for my old baseball cards.
Often appears as...
- scratch around for
- scratch around in
Usage tips
Colloquial
verb
To manage to get or make something by chance or by working hard.
She managed to scratch around enough money to buy the car.
Often appears as...
- scratch around money
- scratch around enough
Usage tips
Colloquial
Definition 1 of 2
Pro Tip 1/3Casual Context
Used in informal situations, often during casual conversations.
Could you help me scratch around for my glasses?
Pro Tip 2/3Focused Search
Implies a thorough and sometimes frantic search, possibly without a clear idea where to find the item.
I've been scratching around for clues in this mystery book.
Pro Tip 3/3Physical Action
Suggests a hands-on approach, literally moving things around to find what's sought.
They were scratching around in the attic for the holiday decorations.
Pro Tip 1/3Casual Context
Used in informal situations, often during casual conversations.
Could you help me scratch around for my glasses?
Pro Tip 2/3Focused Search
Implies a thorough and sometimes frantic search, possibly without a clear idea where to find the item.
I've been scratching around for clues in this mystery book.
Pro Tip 3/3Physical Action
Suggests a hands-on approach, literally moving things around to find what's sought.
They were scratching around in the attic for the holiday decorations.
Pro Tip 1/3Casual Context
Used in informal situations, often during casual conversations.
Could you help me scratch around for my glasses?
Pro Tip 2/3Focused Search
Implies a thorough and sometimes frantic search, possibly without a clear idea where to find the item.
I've been scratching around for clues in this mystery book.
Pro Tip 3/3Physical Action
Suggests a hands-on approach, literally moving things around to find what's sought.
They were scratching around in the attic for the holiday decorations.
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