Meaning 1 · most common
make sense
If something 'adds up', it means it makes sense or seems reasonable.
How oftenCommon
LevelB2
Used inMostly spoken
Examples
Her explanation just didn’t add up.
A: Do you believe his story?
B: Not really. Something doesn’t add up.
Common mistake
Not: Her story doesn't add up with the facts.
Say: Her story doesn't add up. / Her story doesn't fit the facts.
'Add up' works alone here — don't tack 'with' on it.
More on “make sense”Another example · Tell it apart · Goes with · Tip
Another example
When I looked at the evidence, it didn’t add up, so I started to doubt the results.
Tell it apart
His alibi just doesn't add up.
The numbers don't add up.
Goes with
- (not) add up