scratch the surface

phrase

: to make a modest effort or start

Examples of scratch the surface in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Known as the Land of Fire and Ice, Iceland has long appealed to adventurous travelers, but most only scratch the surface. — Gwen Nicol, Travel + Leisure, 29 Aug. 2026 Avoid abrasive scrubbers or harsh chemicals that could scratch the surface and compromise the protective coating over time. — Daley Quinn, Southern Living, 28 Aug. 2026 Still just 20, Stewart has electric potential and has yet to scratch the surface as a pass rusher. — Nick Baumgardner, New York Times, 19 Aug. 2026 The violence portrayed in the ring only scratched the surface of what occurred throughout the night. — Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 16 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for scratch the surface

Rhymes for scratch the surface

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Browse Nearby Words

scratch the/an itch
scratch the surface
scratch the/that itch
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Cite this Entry

“Scratch the surface.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/scratch%20the%20surface. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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