be/go on the scrounge

be on the scrounge (for something)

To be asking for something without intending to do or give anything in exchange. Primarily heard in UK. A: "Tommy's on the scrounge for money again." B: "That kid needs to get a job." I know you're on the scrounge for a scholarship, but if you get one, it's not just guaranteed for four years—you usually need to maintain a certain GPA. Kids today are on the scrounge for everything. It seems they don't want to work for anything anymore.

See also: on, scrounge

go on the scrounge (for something)

To begin asking for something without intending to do or give anything in exchange. Primarily heard in UK. A: "Tommy's gone on the scrounge for money again." B: "That kid needs to get a job." I know you've gone on the scrounge for a scholarship, but if you get one, it's not just guaranteed for four years—you usually need to maintain a certain GPA. Kids today just go on the scrounge for everything. It seems they don't want to work for anything anymore.

See also: go, on, scrounge

Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.

be/go on the ˈscrounge (for something)

(British English, informal, disapproving) ask somebody for money, food, etc. without doing any work for it or paying for it: She’s always on the scrounge for cigarettes. Why doesn’t she buy her own?

See also: go, on, scrounge

Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017