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from scratch
01
from the point at which something began
Idiom
InformalWhat is the origin of the idiom "from scratch" and when to use it?
The phrase "from scratch" originated as a cooking term, meaning to start a recipe using only basic ingredients like flour, sugar, and eggs. It implies that the cook is making everything from the very beginning, rather than using a pre-made mix or other shortcuts. Over time, the phrase has come to be used more broadly to describe starting any sort of project or task with no prior preparation or assistance. It suggests that the person or team must start with the very basics and build up from there.
Example
In a moment of annoyance, I screwed up the sketch and had to begin from scratch.
She built her successful business alone, starting from scratch.
She made homemade meatballs from scratch for the spaghetti dinner, using a blend of ground beef and pork.
As an experienced chef, he knows what is what in the kitchen and can create amazing dishes from scratch.
The idea of moving to a new country, learning a new language, and starting from scratch can be daunting for many.
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