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chalk up

B1 informal separable transitive

To achieve or record something, often a success, score, or total.

In plain English

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

What does "chalk up" mean?

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

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.
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."

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."

separable

Literal vs figurative

Words literally mean

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

Actually means

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

Usage tip

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'.

Words that pair with "chalk up"

Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.

victory win success point goal record achievement

How to conjugate "chalk up"

The five tense forms you'll use most often.

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

Hear "chalk up" in the wild

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

Other ways to say "chalk up"

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

clock up notch up rack up record register score

Keep exploring

Jump to every phrasal verb built on the same verb, particle, or level.