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

"It just takes someone to grab this by the scruff of the neck and deal with this in the manner that it should be," he said.

From BBC • Dec. 16, 2025

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

And as he crosses over, I’m thinking, It can’t be him, but then there it is—chin scruff.

From "The Running Dream" by Wendelin Van Draanen