Chalk up to

verb

To consider or understand the reason or cause of something to be as specified.

She chalked up her headache to the noise and chaos of the party.
Visual representation of "chalk up to" - To consider or understand the reason or cause of something to be as specified.

Often appears as...

  • chalk up to experience
  • chalk up to ignorance

Usage tips

Idiomatic

verb

To achieve or record a success, point, or win in a competition or endeavor.

The team chalked up another win last night.
Visual representation of "chalk up to" - To achieve or record a success, point, or win in a competition or endeavor.

Often appears as...

  • chalk up a victory
  • chalk up a win
verb

To consider or understand the reason or cause of something to be as specified.

She chalked up her headache to the noise and chaos of the party.
Visual representation of "chalk up to" - To consider or understand the reason or cause of something to be as specified.

Often appears as...

  • chalk up to experience
  • chalk up to ignorance

Usage tips

Idiomatic

verb

To achieve or record a success, point, or win in a competition or endeavor.

The team chalked up another win last night.
Visual representation of "chalk up to" - To achieve or record a success, point, or win in a competition or endeavor.

Often appears as...

  • chalk up a victory
  • chalk up a win
Definition 1 of 2
Visual representation of "chalk up to"
LampPro Tip 1/3

Cause Identification

Use 'chalk up to' when pointing out the perceived cause of an event or situation.

Illustration for Cause Identification
After seeing the poor results, he chalked it up to lack of preparation.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Subjective Interpretation

Keep in mind that 'chalk up to' often reflects a personal interpretation or opinion.

Illustration for Subjective Interpretation
I chalked up his rudeness to stress, but it turned out he wasn't in a bad mood.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Mild Dismissal

'Chalk up to' can imply a mild dismissal or acceptance of something as unchangeable.

Illustration for Mild Dismissal
He chalked up the whole ordeal to fate and stopped worrying.
LampPro Tip 1/3

Cause Identification

Use 'chalk up to' when pointing out the perceived cause of an event or situation.

Illustration for Cause Identification
After seeing the poor results, he chalked it up to lack of preparation.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Subjective Interpretation

Keep in mind that 'chalk up to' often reflects a personal interpretation or opinion.

Illustration for Subjective Interpretation
I chalked up his rudeness to stress, but it turned out he wasn't in a bad mood.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Mild Dismissal

'Chalk up to' can imply a mild dismissal or acceptance of something as unchangeable.

Illustration for Mild Dismissal
He chalked up the whole ordeal to fate and stopped worrying.
LampPro Tip 1/3

Cause Identification

Use 'chalk up to' when pointing out the perceived cause of an event or situation.

Illustration for Cause Identification
After seeing the poor results, he chalked it up to lack of preparation.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Subjective Interpretation

Keep in mind that 'chalk up to' often reflects a personal interpretation or opinion.

Illustration for Subjective Interpretation
I chalked up his rudeness to stress, but it turned out he wasn't in a bad mood.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Mild Dismissal

'Chalk up to' can imply a mild dismissal or acceptance of something as unchangeable.

Illustration for Mild Dismissal
He chalked up the whole ordeal to fate and stopped worrying.
Visual representation of the word "Chalk up to"

Never forget "Chalk up to"

Humans forget easily. That's why you should download WordUp: Smart reminders, word games, AI practice, and much more!

Download on the App StoreGet it on Google PlayGet it from MicrosoftGet it on AppGallery
Chrome

WordUp Chrome Extension

As you browse the web instantly look up words you don’t know.

Get Chrome Extension
Back to top