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View synonyms for
scruff
1[ skruhf ]
noun
- the nape or back of the neck.
scruff
2[ skruhf ]
noun
Metallurgy.
- (in tin-plating) dross formed in the bath.
scruff
1/ ʌ /
noun
- the nape of the neck (esp in the phrase by the scruff of the neck )
scruff
2/ ʌ /
noun
- informal.an untidy scruffy person
- informal.a disreputable person, ruffian
- another name for scum
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51Թ History and Origins
Origin of scruff1
1780–90; variant of dial. scuff, scuft < Dutch schoft horse's withers
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51Թ History and Origins
Origin of scruff1
C18: variant of scuft, perhaps from Old Norse skoft hair; related to Old High German scuft
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Example Sentences
Examples have not been reviewed.
England had an opportunity to grab them by the scruff of the neck and make it all about them.
From
They desperately needed someone to stand up and take the game by the scruff of the neck.
From
England have the first Test by the scruff of the neck thanks largely to a very un-Kiwi-like performance.
From
A team of young, unflappable characters is a positive, but sometimes you need players to take the game by the scruff of the neck.
From
He really grabbed the entire Pakistan team by the scruff of the neck.
From
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