chalk up

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Explanation of "Chalk Up"

Definition: The phrase "chalk up" means to keep score or to accumulate something, such as points, achievements, or debts. It is often used in contexts like games or competitions, but can also apply to other situations where you are keeping track of something.

Usage Instructions:

• Verb Form: "Chalk up" is used as a phrasal verb. You can use it in sentences to indicate that someone has gained or recorded something.
• Structure: It is usually followed by a noun (e.g., "points," "wins," "debts").

Examples:

1. In a Game Context:

   • "She chalked up 10 points in the first round of the game."
   • (This means she scored 10 points.)

2. In Everyday Context:

   • "He chalked up a lot of experience during his internship."
   • (This means he gained a lot of experience.)

3. Financial Context:

   • "After a long night at the casino, he chalked up $100 in losses."
   • (This means he lost $100.)

Advanced Usage:

• You can use "chalk up" in more complex sentences to show the consequences of accumulating something.
  • "The team has chalked up several victories this season, which boosts their confidence."

Word Variants:

• Chalk (Noun): The actual substance used for writing on a blackboard.
• Chalk (Verb): To write something down with chalk (not commonly used in the same context as "chalk up").

Different Meanings:

"Chalk up" can also mean to attribute something to a particular cause or reason. - Example: "She chalked her success up to hard work and dedication."

Synonyms:

• Score: To register points in a game.
• Accumulate: To gather or collect over time.
• Record: To keep a written account of something.

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:

1. Chalk it up to experience: This means to accept a mistake or loss as a learning experience.

   • Example: "We lost the game, but let's chalk it up to experience."

2. Chalk up to: To attribute something to a specific reason.

   • Example: "Many people chalk up his failure to lack of preparation."

Summary:

"Chalk up" is a versatile phrase that you can use in various contexts to indicate scoring, accumulating, or attributing something.

Academic

Verb

1. keep score, as in games
2. accumulate as a debt
   • he chalked up $100 in the course of the evening

Synonyms

• tally
• run up