settle a score

Idioms  

1. Also,. 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.

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Example Sentences

And now he might want to settle a score with his rival.

From BBC

Liverpool have been looking to settle a score with Real since the 2018 Champions League final defeat in Kyiv - Salah's injury after a tangle with Sergio Ramos a lingering source of bitterness - but this is a hurdle they struggle to overcome, having lost to the Spaniards in the quarter-final in 2021 and in last season's final.

From BBC

Mr. Fischoeder, the eccentric landlord, has decided to settle a score with his brother by writing a play called “Hamlet, But Good This Time,” which he enlists the Belchers to stage and star in; Linda is thrilled, Bob is anxious and Louise would rather learn how to sharpen knives.

From New York Times

The feisty donkey in Mexico that was locked up to settle a score.

From Salon

Individuals armed with rage and a firearm no longer care whom they injure or kill in their desire to settle a score, the detectives say.

From Washington Post

Related Words

• pay back
• repay