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Dictionary

Words, grammatical forms and meanings linked to the ontology.

chalk something up to experience en · VERB

Meanings

  1. (idiomatic) To take a lesson from a bad outcome instead of grieving it.
    • However, if the amounts are small and you've exhausted your personal resources, you can chalk it up to experience and write it off at the end of the year. (I did this on several small checks returned for insufficient funds.) 1990, Michele Loftus, How to Start and Operate a Home-based Word Processing Or Desktop Publishing Business, Adams Media Corporation, →ISBN:
    • When I am scammed, I take my lumps and chalk it up to experience. I then use all my resources and skills to destroy those involved in committing the scam. 2009 December 7, Michael Anthony, Memoirs of a White Man, Xlibris Corporation, →ISBN, page 71:
    • 'Take them to court – or just chalk it up to experience.' 'Don't suppose for a moment that Kodomo would adopt the same attitude. He brought you all the way out here to do something for him. Whatever it is, he'll expect you to deliver. 2012 November 30, Derek Wilson, The Triarchs, Hachette UK, →ISBN:
  2. Used other than figuratively or idiomatically: see chalk up to, experience.

Forms

SpellingFeaturesLabelsSource
chalks something up to experience Number=Sing, Person=3, Tense=Pres lexicographic
chalking something up to experience Tense=Pres, VerbForm=Part lexicographic
chalked something up to experience Tense=Past, VerbForm=Part lexicographic
chalked something up to experience Tense=Past lexicographic

Synonyms

put something down to experience