Idioms

settle a score

This page is about the idiom settle a score

Meaning

If you settle a score with someone who has hurt you or insulted you in the past, you do something to hurt or insult them in return.

For example

  • We think that the fire was lit on purpose to settle a score between rival gangs.

  • Boxing promoters often create the impression that boxers have scores to settle with each other in order to create more drama before a fight and sell more tickets.

Quick Quiz

Johnny said he'd settle the score with Jimmy one day after Jimmy had

a. lent him the money to pay off a debt

b. told the police that Johnny had done the robbery

c. promised to look after his family while he was in jail
a) lent him the money to pay off a debt b) told the police that Johnny had done the robbery c) promised to look after his family while he was in jail

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Common English Idioms

Contributor: Matt Errey