chalk up
Related to chalk up: worse for wear
chalk it up
To link something that has happened to a particular reason or circumstance. Don't get too down on yourselves after this loss, boys. Let's just chalk it up to inexperience and move on. Sure, getting a B in Algebra is disappointing, but I'm just going to chalk it up to the fact that I'm usually terrible at math!
See also: chalk, up
chalk up
1. Literally, to write something in chalk, as on a chalkboard. A noun or pronoun can be used between "chalk" and "up." Once I finish chalking up tonight's homework assignment, we can discuss last night's reading.
2. To earn something. A noun or pronoun can be used between "chalk" and "up." After you chalk up enough frequent flier miles, you will be able to get plane tickets for free.
3. To add something to a tally. A noun or pronoun can be used between "chalk" and "up." Hank just scored a basket, so chalk one up for him. Chalk up a few more states for the incumbent.
4. To attribute something to something else (which is stated after "to"). A noun or pronoun can be used between "chalk" and "up." They're a very young team, so we'll chalk this loss up to inexperience and nerves.
5. To blame one for something. A noun or pronoun can be used between "chalk" and "up." I had nothing to do with the prank, but I'm sure they'll chalk it up against me anyway.
See also: chalk, up
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
chalk something up (to something)
Fig. to recognize something as the cause of something else. We chalked her bad behavior up to her recent illness. I had to chalk up the loss to inexperience.
See also: chalk, up
chalk something up
1. Lit. to write something on a chalkboard. Let me chalk this formula up so you all can see it. I'll chalk up the formula.
2. Fig. to add a mark or point to one's score. See also chalk something up (against someone).) Chalk another goal for Sarah. Chalk up another basket for the other side.
See also: chalk, up
chalk something up
(against someone) Fig. to blame someone for something; to register something against someone. I will have to chalk another fault up against Fred. She chalked up a mark against Dave.
See also: chalk, up
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.
chalk up
1. Score or earn, as in She chalked up enough points to be seeded first in the tournament. This term alludes to recording accounts (and later, scores) in chalk on a slate. [c. 1700]
2. Credit or ascribe, as They chalked their success up to experience. [First half of 1900s]
See also: chalk, up
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer.
chalk up
v.
1. To earn or score something: The baseball team chalked up four runs in the last inning.
2. To credit or ascribe something: Let's just chalk the mistakes up to experience and try to do better on the next project.
See also: chalk, up
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Phrasal Verbs.
- chalk it up
- chalk one up for (someone)
- chalk out
- be in the same boat
- make chalk of one and cheese of the other
- strike the right note
- it is what it is
- be chalk and cheese
- strike the right chord
- come full circle