Chalking

Chalking occurs when a fine powder forms on the painted surface.

The Seattle Times 2011

Chalking up the recent weakness in machinery orders "to weak overseas economies, Thai flooding as well as the strong yen," Mizuho Research and Consulting senior economist Norio Miyagawa said he's not that pessimistic about machinery orders going forward.

Japan Machinery Orders Are Expected to Rebound Tatsuo Ito 2012

"Chalking it up to moodiness or trouble at work or tiredness is pretty common," says Carrie Bearden, PhD, associate professor in residence of psychiatry and behavioral sciences and psychology, at the David Geffen School of Medical at UCLA.

Bipolar Disorder: 10 Subtle Signs The Huffington Post News Team 2010

Chalking it all up to the fabled New York pluck would be a little too simplistic, however.

When Even The Hardest New Yorkers Get The Jitters 2010

“Chalking up another human atrocity,” I said with black humor.

Songs of Love & Death George R. R. Martin 2010

Chalking it up to "hare brained schemes," Paul waits for the news to roll out and discovers that Lindsay Lohan will be working on a collection.

Alex Geana: Let Fashion Week Begin 2010

“Chalking up another human atrocity,” I said with black humor.

Songs of Love & Death George R. R. Martin 2010

“Chalking up another human atrocity,” I said with black humor.

Songs of Love & Death George R. R. Martin 2010

Chalking this up to "Hillary Drama" is simplistic.

Source: Clinton Camp In Holding Pattern, Waiting On Obama 2009

Also, a colleague forwarded me this today: U. of Arizona Student Faces Criminal charges in Chalking Crackdown.

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