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 • Jun. 4, 2024

It would also show Mr. Trump, in his own voice, invoking a sensitive government document to settle a score.

From New York Times • Jun. 1, 2023

Steven Soderbergh western features Jeff Daniels as an outlaw out to settle a score, and Michelle Dockery a tough widder woman in the New Mexico town he's headed for.

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 8, 2017

But the test of Kelly’s new effort at imposing structure will be difficult in an environment where family members have a history of freelancing to promote a favored policy or to settle a score.

From Time • Jul. 31, 2017

It allows one to settle a score, to work out aggressive feelings, without either mental or physical harm.

From The Dueling Machine by Bova, Ben

Related Words

• pay back
• repay