up to scratch en · ADJ
Pronunciation
- (Australia) audio
Etymology
From scratch in the sense of a starting line, as in boxing.
Meanings
-
(idiomatic) sufficient; adequate; of acceptable or satisfactory quality
But the new trains form just one part of Metro Flow. It's no good having new trains if the network itself isn't up to scratch.
2023 November 29, Richard Foster, “Tyne & Wear Metro goes with the flow”, in RAIL, number 997, page 32:They decided that his performance was not up to scratch.
Forms
| Spelling | Features | Labels | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| most up to scratch | Degree=Sup | lexicographic | |
| more up to scratch | Degree=Cmp | lexicographic |
Coordinates
cut the mustard · up to snuff · make the grade · pass muster · up to par