scraping
/'skreipiɳ/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Noun:
- The act or sound of rubbing a surface with a hard or sharp object: "scraping" can refer to the action of moving something hard across a surface, often to remove material from it, or the harsh, grating sound this action produces.
- A fragment removed by scraping: "scraping" (often used in the plural form scrapings) refers to the small pieces or particles that are removed from a surface by the act of scraping.
- An excessively humble or obsequious bow: In a figurative and somewhat archaic sense, "scraping" can describe a deep, servile bow, often accompanied by drawing the foot back.
Examples of Usage
- Noun (Act/Sound):
- The scraping of the shovel on the concrete was an unpleasant noise.
- He finished the job with a final scraping of the old paint from the door.
- Noun (Fragments):
- The archaeologist carefully collected the pottery scrapings for further study.
- The recipe calls for adding the scrapings from the vanilla bean pod.
- Noun (Obsequious bow):
- The old comedy portrayed servants engaged in constant bowing and scraping.
Advanced Usage
- "Bowing and scraping": This idiom describes behavior that is excessively humble, obedient, or flattering, often to gain favor. It implies a lack of dignity or sincerity.
- I'm tired of all the bowing and scraping you have to do in that corporate culture.
Variants and Related Words
- Scrape (verb/noun): The root word. As a verb, it means to rub a surface with something sharp or hard. As a noun, it can mean the act, the sound, or a difficult situation (e.g., ).
- Scraper (noun): A tool used for scraping.
- He used a paint scraper to remove the old varnish.
Synonyms
- Grating: Producing a harsh, rasping sound.
- Fragments: Small broken pieces or parts.
- Groveling: Acting in an obsequious way to gain forgiveness or favor.
Related Phrases
- Scrape together/up (phrasal verb): To collect or gather something, especially money, with difficulty.
- We managed to scrape together enough cash for the train tickets.
- Scrape through (phrasal verb): To just barely succeed or pass.
- He scraped through the exam with a grade of 61%.
Related Idioms
- Scrape the bottom of the barrel: To use the last and worst resources or options available because nothing better is left.
- Hiring him shows they're really scraping the bottom of the barrel.
Noun
- a deep bow with the foot drawn backwards (indicating excessive humility)
- all that bowing and scraping did not impress him
- a harsh noise made by scraping
- the scrape of violin bows distracted her
- (usually plural) a fragment scraped off of something and collected
- they collected blood scrapings for analysis