How to Pronounce "scratch the surface"
expression
ˈskɹætʃ/ /ˈðə/, /ðə/, /ði/ /ˈsɝfəs
SKRATCH thuh SUR-fuss
skɹˈætʃ/ /ðə, ði/ /sˈɜːfɪs
skr-ATCH thuh SUR-fiss
Definition
To only begin to understand or deal with something, without going deeply or fully into it. It means touching on only the most obvious or simple parts of a subject or problem.
IPA Transcription
American English
ˈskɹætʃ/ /ˈðə/, /ðə/, /ði/ /ˈsɝfəs
British English
skɹˈætʃ/ /ðə, ði/ /sˈɜːfɪs
Simplified Pronunciation
US
SKRATCH thuh SUR-fuss
UK
skr-ATCH thuh SUR-fiss
Listen in Context
We only scratched the surface of this topic in the first lesson.
Reading one article will only scratch the surface of the issue.
Scientists have only begun to scratch the surface of this mysterious disease.
I've watched a few documentaries on space, but I know I've only scratched the surface.