1 B1 idiomatic informal
To explain or accept something negative by attributing it to a particular cause, often without dwelling on it.
"She chalked her poor exam result up to nerves and vowed to do better next time."
inseparable
chalk up to
B1 informal inseparable transitive
To attribute something, especially a failure or difficulty, to a particular cause.
In plain English
To say that something happened because of a certain reason, usually something you can't control.
What does "chalk up to" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B2 idiomatic informal
To give credit or assign responsibility for something positive to a particular source.
"The coach chalked their success up to months of disciplined training."
inseparable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To write something on a chalkboard and assign it to a particular cause — like crediting a score to one side.
Actually means
To say that something happened because of a certain reason, usually something you can't control.
Usage tip
Often used when accepting or dismissing something negative by explaining it away. Frequently used with 'experience', 'bad luck', 'inexperience', or 'the times'. The tone is usually philosophical or accepting.
Words that pair with "chalk up to"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
experience bad luck inexperience circumstance fate timing
How to conjugate "chalk up to"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
chalk up to
I/you/we/they
3rd person
chalks up to
he/she/it
Past simple
chalked up to
yesterday
Past participle
chalked up to
have + pp
-ing form
chalking up to
continuous
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