scruff

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

O'Neill has dragged them forward by the scruff of the neck, but it has all looked very tired, very stressful, very on the edge of blowing up.

From BBC • Feb. 28, 2026

Jacks took the game by the scruff of the neck after England stuttered to 105-5 in the 13th over.

From Barron's • Feb. 16, 2026

Moriarty figures heavily in the opening episodes of “Sherlock & Daughter” too, although Dougray Scott lends a malevolent scruff to him that Park’s interpretation tidies up.

From Salon • Apr. 16, 2025

England had an opportunity to grab them by the scruff of the neck and make it all about them.

From BBC • Mar. 10, 2025

I can’t attack these pups, can’t grab them by the scruff and shove their noses into a rodent hole, can’t make them do anything.

From "Wayward Creatures" by Dayna Lorentz