adds, added, adding
to add up
phrasal verb
To make sense or be logical
- 1His story doesn't add up.
- 2The numbers just don't add up.
When something "adds up," it means that it makes sense or is logical. It means that all the information or details fit together correctly and make a clear and reasonable conclusion. It's like putting all the pieces of a puzzle together to see the whole picture.
Be careful not to confuse "add up" with "add on." "Add up" means to make sense, while "add on" means to include additional things. Remember: "up" for understanding, "on" for adding more.
by the seaside
The Missing Sunglasses
Barbara
I can't find my sunglasses anywhere.
Donald
Didn't you leave them in the car?
Barbara
No, I checked there already. It just doesn't add up.
Donald
Maybe you left them at the café when we stopped for lunch.
at the train station
The Confusing Schedule
William
I don't understand why the train is delayed again.
Elizabeth
Well, the announcement said there was a signal failure.
William
But the last train had the same issue. It just doesn't add up.
Elizabeth
You're right, it seems like there's more to it than they're telling us.
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Similar to "to add up":
- 1make sense
- 2be logical