Chalk it Up – Meaning, Origin & Usage
The phrase “chalk it up” is one that can be used in a range of different contexts. However, as an idiom, its meaning cannot be deduced from the individual words, which can lead to confusion. That’s why we’ve pulled this article together…
Here, we will cover what the phrase means and how it may have originated, before talking about how the phrase can be used in everyday conversation, with some handy examples for perspective. Then, we’ll wrap up with some alternative phrases you can use if you so wish.
Let’s do this!
What does the phrase “chalk it up” mean?
The phrase “chalk it up” is an idiom which is used to explain something, or accept something, as a result of something else. The phrase can also be used to express acceptance of failure. The saying can apply in a wide array of different contexts, and we will be covering some examples shortly.
The historical origins of the phrase “chalk it up”
It is not known exactly how far back this saying dates, and this remains a subject of much debate. There’s a similar early citation known that dates to 1957, where it reads “All my debts stande chaukt upon the poste for liquor.”
However, it was not until the 1800’s that there was frequent use of the term in the figurative sense. For example, a source from 1870 reads “you may chalk this down to me” when the character speaking takes credit for something.
There has been speculation that the saying is derived from games, sports and betting. Since way back when, before the digital age, and even earlier when pen and paper were less common, people would tally scores on a chalkboard using chalk.
However, it has been argued that the most likely origin comes from recording debts owed, or credit lent, on a chalkboard or slate.
Use of the phrase “chalk it up” in everyday conversations, with examples
As promised, here are some examples to help you get a “feel” for the phrase:
- We can chalk up that win to a lot of luck.
- Let’s chalk it up to bad timing.
- You can chalk it up to being dealt a good hand.
- Just chalk it up to experience. You live, you learn.
- His early mistakes can be chalked up to naivety.
Similar, alternative phrases to “chalk it up”
Here are some similar phrases:
- Take credit for
- Accredit
- Put it down to
- Blame it on
- Ascribe it to
- Fail due to
- Notch it
- Pin it on
- Chalk it down to
Final word
So, to sum up, the phrase “chalk it up” means to accept something as a result of something else. The precise origin and coining of the term is not known, but it is generally accepted that it comes from the idea of recording scores, debt, or credit on a chalkboard or slate. The phrase can also be used to express acceptance of failure.
