catflap.org Online Dictionary Query

  Scratch \Scratch\, n.
     1. A break in the surface of a thing made by scratching, or
        by rubbing with anything pointed or rough; a slight wound,
        mark, furrow, or incision.
        [1913 Webster]
  
              The coarse file . . . makes deep scratches in the
              work.                                 --Moxon.
        [1913 Webster]
  
              These nails with scratches deform my breast.
                                                    --Prior.
        [1913 Webster]
  
              God forbid a shallow scratch should drive
              The prince of Wales from such a field as this.
                                                    --Shak.
        [1913 Webster]
  
     2. (Pugilistic Matches) A line across the prize ring; up to
        which boxers are brought when they join fight; hence,
        test, trial, or proof of courage; as, to bring to the
        scratch; to come up to the scratch. [Cant] --Grose.
        [1913 Webster]
  
     3. pl. (Far.) Minute, but tender and troublesome,
        excoriations, covered with scabs, upon the heels of horses
        which have been used where it is very wet or muddy. --Law
        (Farmer's Veter. Adviser).
        [1913 Webster]
  
     4. A kind of wig covering only a portion of the head.
        [1913 Webster]
  
     5. (Billiards)
        (a) A shot which scores by chance and not as intended by
            the player; a fluke. [Cant, U. S.]
        (b) a shot which results in a penalty, such as dropping
            the cue ball in a pocket without hitting another ball.
            [1913 Webster +PJC]
  
     6. In various sports, the line from which the start is made,
        except in the case of contestants receiving a distance
        handicap.
        [Webster 1913 Suppl.]
  
     Scratch cradle. See Cratch cradle, under Cratch.
  
     Scratch grass (Bot.), a climbing knotweed ({Polygonum
        sagittatum) with a square stem beset with fine recurved
        prickles along the angles.
  
     Scratch wig. Same as Scratch, 4, above. --Thackeray.
  
     start from scratch to start (again) from the very
        beginning; also, to start without resources.
        [1913 Webster]

  start from scratch /stˈɑːt fɹɒm skɹˈatʃ/
  začít od nuly

  start from scratch /stˈɑːt fɹɒm skɹˈatʃ/
  začít od píky

  从头做起，从零开始

     白手起家,从头开始