“It doesn’t add up”: meaning, origin and examples
What it means
The phrase It doesn’t add up means that something is illogical or inconsistent; the facts or details do not make sense when considered together.
Tone Informal and conversational, often expressing doubt or skepticism.
Where it comes from
The phrase originates from mathematics, where numbers must align to logically fit a solution. When they don’t, the result is invalid, and this concept has been metaphorically applied to situations involving logic or reasoning.
Examples
- She said she was home all night, but her story doesn’t add up.
- The expenses you’ve listed don’t add up to the total amount withdrawn.
- Something about his explanation just doesn’t add up.
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