chalk something up to experience
To take a lesson from a bad outcome instead of grieving it.
Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
“I lost the game, but I will chalk it up to experience.”
“The project failed because of poor planning, so we decided to chalk it up to experience and move on.”
“Rather than dwelling on the financial losses of his failed startup, he chose to chalk it up to experience, viewing the setback as a necessary lesson for his future endeavors.”
- 01
a little of something goes a long way
Only a small amount of something is usually required to produce a great effect.
- 02
chalk and cheese
Said of things that are very different, though possibly superficially alike.
- 03
chalk off
To record a score or event, as if on a chalkboard.
- 04
chalk up to
To attribute or account for something; to ascribe.
- 05
get something over with
To proceed to do something as soon as possible, especially so as to have something unpleasant behind oneself.
- 06
give someone something to think about
To threaten or provide a challenge to.
- 07
give something a go
To try or attempt.
- 08
give something a miss
To forgo something.
Last updated August 10, 2026