Definition of the word scrape by

The phrase "scrape by" is a colloquial expression that originated in the late 19th century in English. It refers to the act of just managing to succeed or survive in a situation where the outcome is uncertain or difficult. The term "scrape" can be traced back to the Middle English term "scrapen," which meant "to scratch, scrape or rub." During the 19th century, "scrape by" was used primarily in the context of agriculture, referring to crops that barely managed to ripen due to harsh weather or other unfavorable conditions. Over time, the expression became more commonly used in a broader context, denoting financial or personal hardships. By the early 20th century, it had become a frequently used idiom, meaning to barely achieve a desired outcome or to just avoid failure. In modern usage, "scrape by" is often described as a pejorative expression as it implies that success is barely achieved and that any failure would have been more comfortable. Still, it remains an idiomatic term in everyday speech, particularly in British English, where it is often shortened to "scrape," slang meaning to get away with something by the skin of one's teeth.