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.

Examples of chalk (something) up to in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Some difficult feelings that people often chalk up to normal midlife struggles — loss of confidence, trouble concentrating — may in fact be signs of depression. — Emily Kay Votruba, EverydayHealth.com, 16 Dec. 2025

Much of Gen Z’s confusion may chalk up to simply being the newest in the office, with many having started their careers from their couch. — Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 24 July 2025

This region is home to the greatest share of women having children at 40 and older — a trend that experts chalk up to a combination of economic opportunity, progressive social norms and access to reproductive technology. — Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 3 May 2025

Airplane crashes have become extremely rare, which safety experts often chalk up to overlapping and redundant safety measures. — Leslie Josephs, CNBC, 30 Jan. 2025

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

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