Origin of 'up to scratch'

Posted by Mitchell on June 04, 2001

A phrase used in pugilists' fights.A line was scratched on the ground to which the contestants had to put their forward foot before the fight could begin.

• Origin of 'up to scratch' mortimer 06/05/01
  • Origin of 'up to scratch' R. Berg 06/05/01
    • Link for "from scratch" R. Berg 06/05/01