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.

The latest polls show Hilton is leading along with the clean-shaven Democrat Xavier Becerra, suggesting voters in November will have a choice between scruff and no scruff.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 27, 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

He had the look ’bout him of one ’em kittens whose mother had bit holt of the scruff of its neck and was walking ’round with it swaying from one side to the ’nother.

From "The Journey of Little Charlie" by Christopher Paul Curtis