Definition of scare up

The phrase "scare up" is a figurative expression that means to find or obtain something, usually in a difficult or challenging situation. It originated in the early 20th century and is believed to have originated from the hunting and fishing cultures of North America. In hunting, the term "scare up" was used to describe the action of flushing out birds or animals from their hiding places. The hunters would make loud noises or use decoys to startle the animals, causing them to "scare up" and fly or run away. This action made it easier for the hunters to catch or shoot the fleeing animals. In fishing, the term "scare up" was also used to describe the action of startling fish into taking the bait. Anglers would make sudden movements or cast their lines loudly to create a commotion in the water, causing the fish to "scare up" and bite the hook. Over time, the term "scare up" came to be used more broadly to mean finding or obtaining something in a difficult or challenging situation. This phrase is still commonly used today, particularly in the context of business or sales, where it is used to encourage people to find opportunities or resources that are not immediately apparent. In summary, the origin of the phrase "scare up" can be traced back to the hunting and fishing cultures of North America, which used this expression to describe the action of flushing out animals or startling fish to make them easier to catch or shoot. The term has since evolved to mean finding or obtaining something in a difficult or challenging situation, and it is still commonly used today.