from scratch
Starting with nothing
From scratch means from the very beginning, using basic ingredients or raw materials rather than premade components.
The phrase originates from the scratch line in races—the starting point drawn in the dirt.
Cooking from scratch means using flour, eggs, and butter rather than a boxed mix.
Building software from scratch means writing original code rather than using existing frameworks.
After the fire destroyed everything, they had to start from scratch.
Made by skilled craftspeople
- handcraftedMade manually, not machined
- bespokeMade to individual specifications
- custom-madeMade to individual order
- handwovenMade manually on looms
craftsmanship · sewn · knitted · carved · tailored · woodworking · pottery · weaving
Prepared at one's residence
- recipeCooking preparation instructions
- ingredientsParts of a mixture
- bakingCooking with dry heat
- preparationArranging things in advance
mixing · kneading · measuring · whisking · stirring · blending · sifting · rolling
To set going
- beginningInitial stage of something
- inceptionFounding moment
- genesisPoint of creation
- outsetInitial point of something
launch · kickoff · commencement · foundation · groundwork · initiation · debut · introduction
In original state
- wholeFull and undivided
- naturalNot artificially produced
- freshNewly made, not stale
- organicFrom living matter
unrefined · pure · unadulterated · unprocessed · farm-fresh · garden-fresh · wholesome · clean
artisanal
Made by skilled craftspeople
- handcraftedMade manually, not machined
- bespokeMade to individual specifications
- custom-madeMade to individual order
handwoven · craftsmanship · sewn · knitted · carved · tailored · woodworking · pottery · weaving · embroidery
homemade
Prepared at one's residence
- recipeCooking preparation instructions
- ingredientsParts of a mixture
- bakingCooking with dry heat
preparation · mixing · kneading · measuring · whisking · stirring · blending · sifting · rolling · chopping
start
To set going
outset · launch · kickoff · commencement · foundation · groundwork · initiation · debut · introduction · origin
raw
In original state
organic · unrefined · pure · unadulterated · unprocessed · farm-fresh · garden-fresh · wholesome · clean · preservative-free
- food idiomspiece of cake, bread winner, low-hanging fruit, cool as a cucumber, bad egg
- beginningsbegin, beginning, start, first, opening
- home cookinghome cooking, homemade, comfort food, kitchen, recipes
- learninglearning, learn, classes, instruction, studying
- beginning phrasesonce upon a time, in the beginning, first of all, to start with, to begin with
- Starting upignition, kickstart, jump start, boot up, power on
from scratchpremade
Prepared in advance
ready-made · prefabricated · store-bought · off-the-shelf · prepared
from scratcheffortlessly
Without visible labor
quick and dirty · turnkey · plug and play · out of the box · inherited
from scratchpre-existing
Already in place
prebuilt · inherited · prefab · turnkey · plug-and-play
scratch, from, scratchy, scratching, scratched, scratches, scratcher, scratchers, scratching post