settle a score

Idioms and Phrases

Also, settle or wipe out an old score or scores . Get even, avenge a grievance or an injury. For example, Wendy settled an old score with Bill when she made him wait for half an hour in the rain . These expressions, dating from the mid-1800s to early 1900s, all use score in the sense of “an account” or “bill.” Also see pay off , def. 3.

Related Words

• pay back
• repay