scruff

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Jacks took the game by the scruff of the neck after England stuttered to 105-5 in the 13th over.

From Barron's • Feb. 16, 2026

"It just takes someone to grab this by the scruff of the neck and deal with this in the manner that it should be," he said.

From BBC • Dec. 16, 2025

Moriarty figures heavily in the opening episodes of “Sherlock & Daughter” too, although Dougray Scott lends a malevolent scruff to him that Park’s interpretation tidies up.

From Salon • Apr. 16, 2025

A team of young, unflappable characters is a positive, but sometimes you need players to take the game by the scruff of the neck.

From BBC • Oct. 29, 2024

Piper felt like someone had grabbed the scruff of her neck and exposed the bones.

From "The Mark of Athena" by Rick Riordan