chalk (something) up to
phrase
: 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.
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 6 Mar. 2026.
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Merriam-Webster unabridged
