scratch up
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Verb: - To damage or mar a surface by making shallow cuts or grooves on it, typically with something sharp or abrasive. - To cause superficial abrasions or marks on a surface, often resulting in its deterioration.
Usage
This verb describes the action of creating scratches on a surface, which can be accidental or deliberate. It implies a degree of damage or wear.
Examples
- Verb:
- Be careful not to scratch up the new dining table when moving the chairs.
- The cat managed to scratch up the leather sofa with its claws.
- The keys in my pocket have scratched up the screen of my phone.
Advanced Usage
- "to scratch up the surface": This phrase emphasizes the act of damaging the outermost layer of an object.
- The falling branches scratched up the surface of the car's paint.
Variants and Related Words
- Scratch (verb): To mark or cut a surface lightly with something sharp. This is the base form.
- The diamond can scratch glass.
Synonyms
- Scrape: To rub against a surface, often causing damage or removing a layer.
- Score: To make a line or cut in a surface.
- Mar: To impair the appearance or quality of; disfigure.
Related Phrasal Verbs
- Scratch out: To erase or cancel something by drawing lines through it.
- He had to scratch out the mistake and write it again.
Related Idioms
- Up to scratch: Meeting the required standard; satisfactory.
- His recent work hasn't been up to scratch.
- Start from scratch: To begin from the very beginning, without using any prior work or advantage.
- After the fire, they had to start from scratch.
Verb
- cut the surface of; wear away the surface of