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chalk up

B1 informal separable transitive
In simple words

To score a point or achieve something — like adding it to your list of wins.

Literal meaning: To write a score or record in chalk on a board — as would happen in old-fashioned scoring systems.

Meanings

1 B1 idiomatic informal

To achieve or record something, especially a win, success, or score.

"The sales team chalked up their third consecutive monthly record."

"The Yankees chalked up their 27th World Series title."

— Common sports journalism formulation, widely used in American sports reporting.
Grammar: separable
2 A2 neutral

To write something on a chalkboard or other surface using chalk.

"The waiter chalked up the daily specials on the board by the door."

Grammar: separable
3 B1 idiomatic informal

To add an amount to a running total, especially a debt or bill.

"He told the barman to chalk up another round to his tab."

Grammar: separable
Usage notes

Most commonly used for achievements, victories, or scores in sports and business contexts. Can also simply mean to write something on a chalkboard. The object is usually placed between 'chalk' and 'up' or after 'up'.

Commonly used with

victory win success point goal record achievement

Forms

Base
chalk up
I/you/we/they
3rd person
chalks up
he/she/it
Past simple
chalked up
yesterday
Past participle
chalked up
have + pp
-ing form
chalking up
continuous

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Synonyms

notch up rack up clock up score register record

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