scrum
scrum — noun
- scrumsingular
- scrumsplural
1. In rugby, a set piece where the eight forwards on each team bind together into a
In rugby, a set piece where the eight forwards on each team bind together into a tight pack, lower their heads, link arms, and push as one unit while the ball is rolled into the middle of the formation.
The referee signalled and both teams formed a scrum near the halfway line.
form a scrum (collocation)
Dimitri's team won the scrum and quickly passed the ball out to the backs.
win the scrum (collocation)
After a knock-on, the players set up a scrum ten metres from the try line.
Kehinde played hooker and always fought hard for possession in every scrum.
The scrum collapsed and the referee ordered both packs to reset.
- scrummage
an older, more formal rugby term for the same formation; now largely replaced by 'scrum'
2. A tightly packed crowd of people shoving and pressing against each other, often
A tightly packed crowd of people shoving and pressing against each other, often while trying to reach the same thing or place.
A scrum formed outside the shop as shoppers rushed in for the Black Friday sale.
Mei-Lin was caught in a scrum at the concert gate and nearly lost her ticket.
caught in a scrum (collocation)
A scrum of photographers surrounded the actor as he stepped out of the car.
The children formed a scrum around the piñata, grabbing for the sweets that fell.
Santiago pushed his way through the scrum to reach the front of the stage.
用法筆記
Common in British English to describe disorderly crowds; less frequent in American English.
3. A way of managing a project in which a small team works in short cycles, meets d
A way of managing a project in which a small team works in short cycles, meets daily, and adapts the plan as they go along based on what they learn.
Amir's software team switched to scrum and started delivering updates every two weeks.
switch to scrum (collocation)
The project manager booked a two-day course so the whole team could learn scrum.
Scrum helped the design team spot problems early instead of waiting for the final review.
Fatima liked scrum because the daily meetings kept everyone focused on the next task.
The company adopted scrum across all teams after a trial run in the mobile division.
用法筆記
Often written with a capital S (Scrum) when referring to the formal framework. Distinguish from sense 4, which refers specifically to the daily meeting rather than the overall method.
常見錯誤
4. A short, standing meeting held each day by a project team, where each member bri
A short, standing meeting held each day by a project team, where each member briefly says what they finished, what they plan to do, and what is blocking them.
At the scrum, Kwame reported what he had finished the day before and his plan for today.
report at the scrum (pattern)
The scrum lasted only twelve minutes because nobody had any major blockers to report.
scrum lasted [time] (pattern)
Yuki shared at the scrum that she was stuck on a database issue and needed help.
The team holds a scrum every morning at nine, standing in a circle by the whiteboard.
Bjorn was late to the scrum and missed the urgent news about the deadline change.
用法筆記
Also called a 'daily scrum' or 'stand-up'. Distinguish from sense 3: this is the meeting itself, while sense 3 is the whole project-management approach.
scrum — verb
- scrumpresent simple I / you / we / they
- scrums3rd person singular
- scrumming-ing form
- scrummedpast simple
1. To form or take part in a scrum during a rugby match.
To form or take part in a scrum during a rugby match.
The two packs scrummed down and the referee watched closely for any early pushing.
scrum down (phrasal pattern)
Camila had never scrummed before, but the coach put her in the front row anyway.
The Edinburgh pack scrummed for a long time before the ball finally came out on their side.
The forwards scrummed again after the first attempt collapsed under the pressure.
You need a strong neck to scrum safely at this level of the game.
- pack down
used in rugby to mean the forwards form a scrum, focusing on the formation rather than the contest
用法筆記
Frequently used with 'down' (scrum down). Subject is always a team or a pack of forwards, never an individual player alone.
2. To push and shove among a crowd of people, especially when everyone is trying to
To push and shove among a crowd of people, especially when everyone is trying to get the same thing or reach the same place.
Fans scrummed around the stage door, each hoping to get a photo with the band.
scrum around [place] (pattern)
Anjali and other journalists scrummed outside the courtroom as the verdict was read out.
Shoppers scrummed for the last few television sets when the prices dropped at midnight.
The children scrummed around the ice-cream van, waving coins in the hot summer air.
People scrummed at the ticket counter the moment the booking window opened.
用法筆記
Mainly British English. Subject is always a group of people, never a single person.