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Definitions

start from scratch

VERB
go back to square one
Synonyms
WEAK
begin again go back to the drawing board make a fresh start make a new beginning wipe the slate clean

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.

He was going to rip up the Wolverines’ roster and start from scratch.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 7, 2026

After his boyfriend dies tragically, Rowan is forced to start from scratch, mourning the dream of the life he once had alongside his partner and trying to rent out his now-spare bedroom.

From Salon • Apr. 5, 2026

While the Bruins will bring back some young talent in Lena Bilic and Sienna Betts and add injured senior Timea Gardiner, they will essentially have to start from scratch.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 3, 2026

As teams start from scratch this year with a new car, engine and active aerodynamics, how will the drivers' and constructors' championships look when the curtain falls in December after 24 races?

From BBC • Mar. 1, 2026

When Descartes produced his study of the rainbow he had to start from scratch, despite the fact that he was very largely simply repeating the work both of Theodoric and of al-Farisi.

From "The Invention of Science" by David Wootton