from scratch

[frəm skrætʃ]
adverbial phrase
do zero; desde o início; do começo
1. Starting from the very beginning with no prior preparation, materials, or foundation; beginning with basic elements
We had to build the website from scratch after the server crashed.
Tivemos que construir o site do zero depois que o servidor caiu.
2. Creating something without using pre-made components, templates, or existing work
She baked the cake from scratch instead of using a mix.
Ela fez o bolo do zero em vez de usar uma mistura pronta.
3. Beginning an activity or project without prior advantage or experience
He started his business from scratch with no initial investment.
Ele começou seu negócio do zero sem investimento inicial.
This phrase is widely used in both American English and Brazilian Portuguese, particularly in business, cooking, and technology contexts. In Brazil, 'do zero' has become increasingly popular in startup and tech culture. Americans often use this expression to emphasize authenticity and effort, while in Brazil it may emphasize resourcefulness and starting with limited resources.
NYC Slang
from scratch; no shortcuts; building it up
Synonyms / Sinônimos
from the beginningfrom the startanewde novonovamentedesde o princípio
Antonyms / Antônimos
from where one left offcontinuingresumingbuilding uponcontinuando de onde parou

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
do zero; desde o início; do começo
Most common in urban areas and professional contexts
Rio de Janeiro
do zero; desde o começo
Common usage, particularly in business and casual speech
São Paulo
do zero; desde o início; from scratch
English phrase often used in business/tech contexts alongside Portuguese
Portugal
do princípio; do zero; desde o início
Slight preference for 'do princípio' in more formal contexts

Related Words

ground zeroblank slatetabula rasastarting overdo início ao fimponto de partida

Related Idioms & Phrases

start from scratch
build from scratch
cook from scratch
começar do zero
construir do zero
cozinhar sem ingredientes prontos
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