Definition of "from scratch" in English

Prepositional phrase

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

   • 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.

2. From basic materials or raw ingredients.

   • She said she wanted to build a new house from scratch.
   • He was out of pancake mix so he had to make the batter from scratch.