The phrase "come up scratch" is often used to describe a situation where someone or something falls short or fails to meet expectations. There are several synonyms for this phrase including "fall short," "be inadequate," "come up short," "disappoint," "miss the mark," "not measure up," and "fail to deliver." These phrases are often used in situations where someone was expected to perform well or deliver a certain result, but for one reason or another, they were unable to do so. It's important to choose the right synonym for the situation to accurately convey the level of disappointment or failure.