settle a score
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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.
QUIZZES
QUIZ YOURSELF ON “THEIR,” “THERE,” AND “THEY’RE”
Are you aware how often people swap around “their,” “there,” and “they’re”? Prove you have more than a fair grasp over these commonly confused words.
Question 1 of 7
Which one of these commonly confused words can act as an adverb or a pronoun?
Words nearby settle a score
setting, setting lotion, setting rule, setting-up exercise, settle, settle a score, settled, settle down, settle for, settle in, settlement
The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary
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