start from scratch

idiom

: to begin from a point at which nothing has been done yet

Nothing like this had ever been done before, so we had to start from scratch.

Examples of start from scratch in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

In order to exceed the capabilities of its first car, the team had to start from scratch. —

New Atlas, 2 Jan. 2025 The next administration can pursue its own regulations on the same issues but will have to start from scratch in a cumbersome rulemaking process that can take up to several years. —

Brooke Migdon, The Hill, 20 Dec. 2024 Without a resolution before the end of this congressional session, the proposition must start from scratch after months of discussion if the District, federal government officials and the Commanders choose to begin anew. —

Ben Standig, The Athletic, 20 Dec. 2024 By offering libraries of components that can be reused, design systems reduce the need to start from scratch for each new project. —

William Mullane, USA TODAY, 10 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for start from scratch

Cite this Entry

Style

“Start from scratch.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/start%20from%20scratch. Accessed 18 Jan. 2025.

Copy Citation