From scratch

prep_phrase

Definitions

Adverb
  1. 1
    from the beginning, especially without relying on resources or other advantages wordnet
Prep_phrase
  1. 1
    From the beginning; starting with no advantage or prior preparation. idiomatic

    "There were so many errors in the program that the programmer decided to rewrite it from scratch."

  2. 2
    From basic materials or raw ingredients. idiomatic

    "She said she wanted to build a new house from scratch."

Etymology

From the scratch drawn in the ground serving as the starting line of a foot race. A runner “starting from scratch” received no handicap, but started at the beginning of the course.

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