from scratch

Definition

From the beginning; starting with no advantage or prior preparation.

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.

Example Sentences

• "There were so many errors in the program that the programmer decided to rewrite it from scratch."
• "When the writer finished writing his book, it was stolen and now he has to rewrite it from scratch."
• "He had no money and no rich friends, so he had to build his business from scratch."