stack up
Idioms-
Measure up, equal, as in Their gift doesn't stack up against mine . This usage alludes to piling up one's chips at poker, and comparing them to those of the other players. [Early 1900s]
-
Make sense, seem plausible, as in Her explanation just doesn't stack up . Also see add up , def. 2.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Secondly, you stack up more technical fouls and diminish your superstar reputation.
From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 4, 2026
If the amount advanced is smaller, or the repayment window shorter, the effective rate can climb well above 100%, which advocates say illustrates how quickly fees can stack up.
From MarketWatch • Feb. 13, 2026
"It didn't quite stack up at all," Follows said.
From BBC • Jan. 26, 2026
When compliance costs stack up, families pay for it in the form of higher rates and fewer choices.
From Barron's • Jan. 8, 2026
Before I had time to stack up too many worries, we pulled into the bus station.
From "Wish" by Barbara O'Connor
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
