chalk的基本意思是“用粉笔写、画、作记号”,是及物动词,接名词或代词作宾语,可用于被动结构。

chalk out(v.+adv.)
▲chalk sth ⇔ out
1.用粉笔标出(图样、计划等),打图样 draw sth with chalk
She chalked out a design on the blackboard.她用粉笔在黑板上画出一个图样。
◇ 用于be ～ed结构
Goalposts were roughly chalked out on the playground wall.操场的墙上已经标出了球门柱的轮廓。
2.概略地说明 describe sth in words in a general way
The general chalked out his plan of attack.将军简略地叙述他的进攻计划。

chalk up(v.+adv.)
1.记下,记录 record; score
▲chalk sth ⇔ up
We shall chalk up his good points.我们将记下他的优点。
◇ 用于be ～ed结构
The results were chalked up on the blackboard as soon as they came in.比分一出来就记在黑板上。
Several important milestones in foreign policy have been passed by this Congress and they can be chalked up as major accomplishments.这次代表大会通过了对外政策中几起划时代的事件,并且它们可作为主要成就记录下来。
He may accept your apology, but the offence will be chalked up against you.他也许会接受你的道歉,但你的冒犯将被记恨在心。
2.得到,取得 achieve or register
▲chalk up
In the first six months of this year the hotel-owner will have chalked up, round the world, thirteen opening ceremonies.今年前6个月,这位旅馆的老板将会达到接纳世界上13个开幕式的记录。
▲chalk sth ⇔ up
The team chalked up another victory last week.该队在上周又取得一次胜利。
3.归因于 record on sb's or one's own account
▲chalk sth ⇔ up to sth/v-ing
She noticed herself getting tired easily.She chalked it up to getting older.她注意到自己容易疲倦,她认为这是自己衰老的缘故。
◇ 用于be ～ed结构
His failure can be chalked up to lack of experience.他的失败可归因于缺乏经验。

用作及物动词
▲S+～+n./pron.
The inspector chalked OK on my bag.检查员用粉笔在我的包上写了OK。
Chalk down the song on the blackboard, please.请把这首歌抄在黑板上。

［词源］  ＜古英语cealc＜拉丁语calc(石灰石,白垩)

1.chalk的基本意思是指“制造白色或彩色粉笔的白垩”,表示一种物质,是不可数名词。
2.作“粉笔”讲时,一般用作不可数名词,但说“各种颜色的粉笔”时,则要用复数。表示“一支粉笔”时用a piece of chalk,“两支粉笔”用two pieces of chalk,“一盒粉笔”用a box of chalk,“一盒彩色粉笔”用a box of coloured chalks。

as different as chalk and cheese
截然不同,本质上完全不同 entirely different
Attending a cookery class once a week and running your own house are as different as chalk and cheese, my girl, as you'll very soon find out.每周去一次烹调班和管理你们自己的家根本不同,我的姑娘,这点你很快就会发现的。
The two brothers resembled each other physically, but were as different in their natures as chalk and cheese.这兄弟二人外貌相像,但性格截然不同。

by a long chalk
大大地,很大程度上 by a wide margin
The problem isn't solved yet by a long chalk.这个问题尚未解决,离解决还差很远。
We're not beaten yet, by a long chalk.我们还没有败,远远没有败。
As a pitcher,John is better than James by a long chalk.作为一名棒球投手,约翰比詹姆斯高明得多。

The teacher wrote with a stick of chalk.老师用粉笔写字。
They were drawing patterns on the blackboard in colored chalks.他们用彩色粉笔在黑板上画图案。