Start from scratch

Definitions

• to begin something from the very beginning, often after a failure or setback
  After the company went bankrupt, we had to start from scratch and rebuild everything.

• to start with a clean slate, without any preconceived notions or biases
  When writing a research paper, it's important to start from scratch and not let any previous opinions or beliefs influence your work.

• to start with the most basic or fundamental elements
  Before we can start building the robot, we need to start from scratch and gather all the necessary materials and tools.

Examples of Start from scratch

• The company decided to start from scratch with their marketing strategy.

  This idiom means to begin anew, without using any previous work or ideas as a foundation. In this example, the company is abandoning their current marketing strategy and starting over with a completely new approach.

• After the failure of their product, the inventors had to start from scratch with their research.

  This idiom can also be used to describe starting over after a setback or failure. In this example, the inventors had to abandon their previous research and start from the beginning after their product failed.

• The painter started from scratch on the new mural, sketching out the design before adding color.

  This idiom can also be used to describe starting a specific task or project from the beginning. In this example, the painter is starting the new mural by sketching out the design before adding color, rather than using a previous design as a starting point.

• The writer started from scratch on the novel, not wanting to be influenced by other authors.

  This idiom can also be used to describe starting a creative project without any outside influences. In this example, the writer is starting the novel from scratch, rather than using ideas or inspiration from other authors.

• The athlete started from scratch with her training routine, focusing on building a strong foundation.

  This idiom can also be used to describe starting a new training routine or regimen. In this example, the athlete is starting from scratch with her training routine, focusing on building a strong foundation rather than building on previous training.

Conclusion

The idiom "start from scratch" is commonly used to describe starting over or beginning from the very beginning. It can refer to rebuilding something after a failure or setback, starting with a clean slate, or starting with the most basic elements. It is often used in a business or project context, but can also be used in personal situations.

This idiom can also have a negative connotation, implying that the previous attempt or starting point was unsuccessful or flawed. However, it can also have a positive connotation, highlighting the opportunity to create something new and improved.

Origin of "Start from scratch"

The origin of this idiom can be traced back to the 16th century, with the phrase "to start from the ground." This referred to building something from the foundation or starting at the very beginning. Over time, the phrase evolved into "start from scratch," with "scratch" being used to describe the starting line in a race.

Another theory suggests that the phrase originated from the game of cricket, where a line called a "scratch" was drawn to mark the starting point for the bowler. Therefore, "starting from scratch" would mean starting from the very beginning of the game.

Regardless of its exact origin, the idiom has become a commonly used phrase in the English language, conveying the idea of starting anew.