Example
“The first draft was promising, but it wasn't yet up to scratch.”
Dictionary details
Related idioms
Expressions connected by reviewed component words or topic tags.
scratch the surface
Neutral · CEFR B2
To examine or deal with only a small, superficial part of a larger subject.
bar none
Neutral · CEFR C1
without exception, especially when declaring something the best in its category
streets ahead
Informal · CEFR C1
much further advanced or clearly superior to the competition
a piece of cake
Informal · CEFR A2
Something that is very easy to do.
so far so good
Informal · CEFR A2
used to say that things have gone well up to now
alive and kicking
Neutral · CEFR B1
still healthy, active, or functioning despite age or difficulty
Source methodology
Meanings, register, CEFR, and examples come from the reviewed dictionary record. Expression notes may describe a reviewed present-day word picture or a background note; they are not presented as verified etymology.