chalk (something) up to
idiom
: to explain (something) by stating its cause : to say that (something) was caused by (something)
Chalk it up to bad timing.
Her early mistakes can be chalked up to inexperience.
Examples of chalk (something) up to in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
In one particularly egregious example, Shaun demonstrated a level of ignorance and transphobia toward a patient that the show seemed to chalk up to his autism.
—
Sarah Kurchak, TIME, 23 May 2024
SpaceX was the worst of the bunch, with a 15% drop, which the researchers chalk up to its uniquely stringent requirement: Five days a week in-person.
—Jane Thier, Fortune, 16 May 2024
The Legislature this year is already off to a sluggish start to law-making, which — similar to the budget delays — critics chalk up to leaders concentrating power and major decisions in the hands of only a few.
—Matt Stout, BostonGlobe.com, 30 June 2023
Some of the symptoms of PCOS, like weight gain and acne, align with those that people on TikTok chalk up to a second puberty, Dr. Dweck says.
—Maggie O'Neill, SELF, 12 Dec. 2022
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Sarah Kurchak, TIME, 23 May 2024
SpaceX was the worst of the bunch, with a 15% drop, which the researchers chalk up to its uniquely stringent requirement: Five days a week in-person.
—Jane Thier, Fortune, 16 May 2024
The Legislature this year is already off to a sluggish start to law-making, which — similar to the budget delays — critics chalk up to leaders concentrating power and major decisions in the hands of only a few.
—Matt Stout, BostonGlobe.com, 30 June 2023
Some of the symptoms of PCOS, like weight gain and acne, align with those that people on TikTok chalk up to a second puberty, Dr. Dweck says.
—Maggie O'Neill, SELF, 12 Dec. 2022
Dictionary Entries Near chalk (something) up to
Cite this Entry
“Chalk (something) up to.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/chalk%20%28something%29%20up%20to. Accessed 29 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share