Scrape past

To scrape past an opponent means to beat them, but only just, after a difficult and closely-fought match.

What does it mean?

Unlike phrases such as ‘sweep aside’ or ‘breeze past,’ ‘scrape past‘ suggests a win that was far from comfortable – a team who was expected to win more easily, but had to fight hard, or got fortunate, to get the result.

Examples

1. Argentina scraped past Cape Verde after twice being pegged back.
2. They scraped into the next round thanks to a very late goal.
3. ‘A 111th-minute Diney Borges own goal saved holders Argentina from one of the biggest shocks in World Cup history as they scraped past heroic debutants Cape Verde in the last 32.’ (BBC)

Similar Words/Phrases

• To just about beat
• To scrape into (the next round)
• A narrow win

Learn More

• Listen to our podcast from Day 23 of the 2026 World Cup
• Translate it or use it in a sentence (forum)
• Read about the phrase ‘scrape into’ from one of our old posts

Related Glossary Terms

• To Breeze Past
• Hold Out