walk the chalk

To show one's competence in a particular area. This outdated phrase refers to a sobriety test in which one had to walk between chalk lines. I was so worried that I wouldn't be able to walk the chalk, but I got a perfect score on my exam!

walk the chalk

have your sobriety tested.

A traditional method of ascertaining whether someone is sober or not is to see whether they can walk along a line chalked on the ground without wobbling.

See also: chalk, walk

Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017

See also:

References in periodicals archive

Walk the chalk Chalkboard wall sticker, PS20, Not On The High Street Use this to scribble down the things you need to buy on your next shopping trip.

SELFRAISING POWER; Mary Berry may be off the menu but we can still bake up a storm at home

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