scratch race

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Word: Scratch Race

Part of Speech: Noun

Definition: A "scratch race" is a type of race where all the participants start from the same point, meaning they have equal chances from the beginning. This term is commonly used in sports, especially in cycling and running.

Usage Instructions:

• You can use "scratch race" when talking about sports or competitions where everyone begins at the same level.
• It is often contrasted with other types of races where some competitors may start ahead or have advantages.

Example:

• "In the scratch race, all the runners lined up at the starting line, ready to compete on equal terms."

Advanced Usage:

• Scratch races are often seen in professional settings where fairness is essential. For example, "The organizers decided to hold a scratch race to ensure all athletes had an equal opportunity to win."

Word Variants:

• The term "scratch" can also be used in other contexts, such as "scratch-off" (a type of lottery ticket) or "scratch" (to mark or scrape something lightly).

Different Meanings:

1. General Use of "Scratch": In a more general context, "scratch" can mean to scrape or mark a surface with something sharp.
2. Idiomatic Use: To "start from scratch" means to begin again from the very beginning without any advantages or prior progress.

Synonyms:

• Equal race
• Level playing field (though this is more of an idiom than a direct synonym)

Related Idioms:

• "Start from scratch": To begin again without any prior work or advantages.
• "Level playing field": A situation where everyone has the same opportunity to succeed.

Phrasal Verbs:

• There are no specific phrasal verbs directly related to "scratch race," but the verb "scratch" can be used in phrases like "scratch out" (to remove something by drawing a line through it).

Academic

Noun

1. a race in which all contestants start from scratch (on equal terms)