chalk

chalk something out 

1. Lit. to draw a picture of something in chalk, especially to illustrate a plan of some type. The coach chalked the play out so the players could understand what they were to do. Our team captain chalked out the play.

2. Fig. to explain something carefully to someone, as if one were talking about a chalk drawing. She chalked out the details of the plan over the phone.

See also: out

chalk something up 

1. Lit. to write something on a chalkboard. Let me chalk this formula up so you all can see it. I'll chalk up the formula.

2. Fig. to add a mark or point to one's score. See also chalk something up (against someone).) Chalk another goal for Sarah. Chalk up another basket for the other side.

See also: up

chalk something up (to something)

Fig. to recognize something as the cause of something else. We chalked her bad behavior up to her recent illness. I had to chalk up the loss to inexperience.

See also: up

not by a long shot

Fig. not by a great amount; not at all. Did I win the race? Not by a long shot. Not by a long shot did she complete the assignment.

See also: long, shot

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be (like) chalk and cheese  (British & Australian) also be as different as chalk and cheese (British & Australian)

if two people are like chalk and cheese, they are completely different from each other I don't have anything in common with my brother. We're like chalk and cheese.

See put down to experience

See also: and, cheese

not by a long shot  (informal) also not by a long chalk (old-fashioned)

something that you say when you think something is not at all true 'Do you think it's as good as her last movie?' 'No, not by a long shot.' It's not over yet, not by a long chalk, we still have a very good chance of winning.

See also: long, shot

put something down to experience  (British, American & Australian) also chalk something up to experience (American & Australian)

to decide that instead of being upset about something bad that you have done or that has happened, you will learn from it 'I'm so ashamed. I let him take advantage of me.' 'Don't be so hard on yourself. Just put it down to experience.'

See also: experience, put

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chalk something up to something else also chalk something up to something else

to say that something is caused by something else She doesn't even bother to say thank you, but I just chalk it up to bad manners and try not to let it bother me.

See also: up

chalk up something also chalk something up

to record something special Many banks chalked up large profits from their loans to internet companies.

Etymology: based on the idea of keeping a record on a chalk board

See also: up

not by a long shot

not at all “Do you think it's as good as her last movie?” “ No, not by a long shot.”

Usage notes: sometimes used in the form not do something by a long shot: We haven't eliminated the disease by a long shot.

See also: long, shot