start from scratch
白手起家,從頭開始
Scratch, n.
1. A break in the surface of a thing made by scratching, or by rubbing with anything pointed or rough; a slight wound, mark, furrow, or incision.
The coarse file . . . makes deep scratches in the work. --Moxon.
These nails with scratches deform my breast. --Prior.
God forbid a shallow scratch should drive
The prince of Wales from such a field as this. --Shak.
2. Pugilistic Matches A line across the prize ring; up to which boxers are brought when they join fight; hence, test, trial, or proof of courage; as, to bring to the scratch; to come up to the scratch. [Cant]
3. pl. Far. Minute, but tender and troublesome, excoriations, covered with scabs, upon the heels of horses which have been used where it is very wet or muddy.
4. A kind of wig covering only a portion of the head.
5. Billiards (a) A shot which scores by chance and not as intended by the player; a fluke. [Cant, U. S.] (b) a shot which results in a penalty, such as dropping the cue ball in a pocket without hitting another ball.
6. In various sports, the line from which the start is made, except in the case of contestants receiving a distance handicap.
Scratch cradle. See Cratch cradle, under Cratch.
Scratch grass Bot., a climbing knotweed (Polygonum sagittatum) with a square stem beset with fine recurved prickles along the angles.
Scratch wig. Same as Scratch, 4, above.
start from scratch to start (again) from the very beginning; also, to start without resources.