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.
How does that stack up with his words this week?
From BBC ● Sep. 12, 2026
As we’ll see, it’s a story including a Nobel Prize winner, a book and some claims that don’t quite stack up.
From Science Daily ● Aug. 27, 2026
Part of the reason more students are graduating early is because it’s easier than in previous generations to stack up college credits before they even step on campus.
From MarketWatch ● Aug. 4, 2026
See how the rest of the extras stack up.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 25, 2026
When I leave, I stack up my orders in the car and have to run back in for a six-pack of Coke for the first stop.
From "Please Ignore Vera Dietz" by A.S. King
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Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
