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chalk it down

B2 informal transitive

A fixed expression meaning to make a note of something or record it.

In plain English

Make sure you remember it by writing it down.

What does "chalk it down" mean?

2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.

1 B2 informal

To make a note of something; to record it, often for later reference.

"Chalk it down — we need four large teas and two coffees."

2 B2 idiomatic informal

To accept or register a fact, often as something definite or certain.

"You can chalk it down — he'll be late again."

Literal vs figurative

Words literally mean

Write it down using chalk — as a shopkeeper or barkeeper would note an order on a chalkboard.

Actually means

Make sure you remember it by writing it down.

Usage tip

Used mainly in British informal English. 'Chalk it down' is sometimes used as an imperative, telling someone to note something. The 'it' is fixed in this idiom.

Words that pair with "chalk it down"

Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.

order time date name score fact

How to conjugate "chalk it down"

The five tense forms you'll use most often.

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

Hear "chalk it down" in the wild

Listen to native speakers using "chalk it down" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.

Other ways to say "chalk it down"

Swap in when you want variety — tap a linked one to explore it.

jot it down make a note of it note it down put it down write it down

Keep exploring

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