scratch something off—
1. remove smth. by abrasion:
- If you place objects on the bumper while you are loading the rear you will scratch the paint off.
2. write smth. hurriedly or carelessly:
- The usual scene, Jenny singing and me scratching off letters for the second post.
scratch something out—cancel an item on a list, etc. by drawing a line through it:
- I write you my letter straightforward, and let you see all my scratchings out and puttings in.