scratch that: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘scratch that’ mean?
The idiom scratch that means to cancel or disregard something that was just said or suggested.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "sweep aside" means to dismiss or ignore something or someone as unimportant or insignificant, usually due to a lack of interest or consideration.
The idiom "scratch one's own itch" means to take action to resolve one's own problem or fulfill one's own needs without relying on others for help or assistance.
The idiom "scratch one's head" means to be confused or perplexed about something, often trying to find a solution or understanding. It implies a gesture of scratching one's head as a sign of puzzlement or deep thought.
Based on the available information concerning the idiom "scratch by," it can be determined that this phrase is primarily used in informal situations and is most commonly found in American English.
"Scratch beneath the surface" means to look deeper or investigate further in order to discover the true nature or reality of something. It implies that there is more to a situation or person than what is immediately apparent or visible.
The idiom "scratch an itch" means to alleviate or satisfy a strong desire or need, often by taking action to obtain what is desired.
The idiom "scrape through" means to just barely succeed or pass, often with difficulty or by the smallest margin.
The idiom "scrape through" is often used to describe a situation where someone barely manages to achieve a desired outcome or success. It can be heard in colloquial speech across the United States, and has both literal and figurative meanings.
The idiom "say that" is used to express surprise or disbelief when someone makes a statement that is unexpected or hard to believe.
The idiom "say no more" is used to convey that there is no need to provide further explanation or information, as the listener already understands the intended meaning.
The idiom "say goodbye" means to part or separate from someone or something, often permanently. It implies a finality or ending to a relationship, situation, or opportunity.
Unexpected Origins
The idiom "scratch that" is a commonly used phrase in American English that is often used to indicate the need for a correction or change in a previously stated thought, plan, or decision. It is a concise way for a speaker or writer to retract or revise their words. The meaning of the idiom comes from the literal act of physically "scratching" or erasing a mistake or unwanted item.
One use of the idiom "scratch that" is in conversations or meetings, where someone may express an idea or suggestion but later determine that it is incorrect or no longer suitable. The speaker would then request the audience to ignore their previous statement by saying "never mind." The phrase "never mind" is similar to "scratch that" in that it acknowledges the need to disregard a previous statement.
The idiom "scratch that" is also related to the phrase "brush off." When someone says "brush off," they are dismissing or disregarding something as unimportant or insignificant. This is similar to "scratch that" in the sense that both idioms involve dismissing or disregarding a previous statement or idea.
In addition, the idiom "scratch that" is associated with the phrase "scratch an itch." When someone says they need to "scratch an itch," they are referring to satisfying a desire or addressing a need. This is similar to "scratch that" in the sense that both idioms involve satisfying a need or desire by revising or retracting a previous statement.
Another related idiom is "sweep aside." When someone says they want to "sweep aside" something, they are expressing a desire to dismiss or ignore it. This is similar to "scratch that" in the sense that both idioms involve dismissing or ignoring a previous statement or idea.
The origin of the idiom "scratch that" can be traced back to the act of making marks or corrections on a physical surface, such as paper. In the past, before the digital era, errors or changes would often be rectified by physically scratching the mistaken mark or text with a pen or pencil, effectively removing it from the page. Hence, the idiom "scratch that" metaphorically captures this visual action as a way to annul or amend a verbal statement.
Furthermore, the idiomatic expression "scratch that" shares similarities with other idioms such as "take it back" or "retract that." All of these idioms encompass the idea of revoking or reversing a previous verbal statement. However, "scratch that" stands out due to its vivid imagery of erasing a physical mark, which adds a layer of concreteness to its figurative meaning.
This idiom is widely used in various informal and formal settings, including casual conversations, professional meetings, and even written communication. Its adaptability across different contexts highlights its utility as a concise and effective method of clarifying or rectifying statements, thus further establishing its prominence in American English.
The idiom "scratch that" is a prevalent idiomatic expression in American English that signifies the need to revise or retract a previously stated thought, plan, or decision. Its origin can be traced to physically "scratching" or erasing erroneous marks on a surface, and it has become a versatile phrase used in numerous situations. The idiom's longevity and widespread usage in various settings exemplify its continued relevance in contemporary American English.
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom "scratch that" can be used in a sentence:
I thought we were going to have a meeting tomorrow, but scratch that, it's been moved to next week.
She ordered a burger with fries, but then she changed her mind and said scratch that, she wanted a salad instead.
He was about to give some feedback on the project, but then he realized he had made a mistake, and said scratch that, he didn't have any comments to make.
More "Correction" idioms
We missed the mark - nothing found.