chalk (redirected from chalking)

be (like) chalk and cheese (British & Australian, 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 also: cheese

not by a long shot (informal, 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, 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: down

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chalk up something

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

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.

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