settle a score

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.

Example Sentences

The judge said that King's actions, including chasing officers and continuing to shoot at them, were evidence of him "attempting to settle a score with police".

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“I think I have to settle a score with this guy,” she concluded.

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

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

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The motives can be to grab land, to ostracize a woman to settle a score, or to justify violence.

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Related Words

• pay back 
• repay