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Phrase(s): scratch about (for something) [and] scratch around (for something)
1. Lit. to hunt for something in dirt, gravel, rocks, etc. • The prospector spent the day scratching about for signs of gold. • The chickens were scratching around for something to eat. 2. Fig. to look very hard for something. • The children were scratching about the kitchen for something to eat. • I’ve been scratching around for a new assistant for months now.
McGrawhill's American Idioms And Phrasal Verbs