scrape away

Meanings

1. 1verbtransitive or intransitive

   To remove something from a surface by rubbing it hard with a tool or a rough object.

   Grammar: Can be used with an object (scrape away the rust) or without (keep scraping away until it is clean).

   Patterns

   • scrape away something
   • scrape something away
   • scrape away at something

   He used a knife to scrape away the old paint.

   She scraped away the ice from the windshield.

   Scrape away the burnt bits before you serve the toast.

2. 2verbtransitivefigurative

   To gradually remove or destroy something, especially by rubbing or wearing it down.

   Grammar: Often used with abstract things like 'layers' or 'resistance'.

   Patterns

   • scrape away at something
   • scrape away the surface

   The waves had scraped away the sand, leaving bare rock.

   Years of use had scraped away the finish on the table.

Common combinations

scrape away paint

You need to scrape away the loose paint before repainting.

scrape away rust

He scraped away the rust with a wire brush.

scrape away dirt

She scraped away the dirt to find the original tiles.

scrape away at

The gardener scraped away at the moss on the path.

Synonyms and how they differ

scrape off

Scrape off is very similar, but it often suggests removing something that is stuck on the surface, while scrape away can also mean removing a layer gradually.

scrub away

Scrub away means to clean by rubbing hard, usually with a brush and water; scrape away uses a harder tool and often removes material.

Opposites

Word family

scrape verb

To rub a surface with something sharp or rough.

scraper noun

A tool used for scraping.

Commonly confused: scrape away or scrub away?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “scrape away”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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