What does “Settle a score” mean?
"Settle a score" means to resolve a disagreement or seek revenge for a past offense.
What context can I use the in?
Example
After years of rivalry, they finally decided to settle a score on the basketball court.
Example
He's been holding a grudge for years and is determined to settle a score with his former business partner.
Example
The two gangs have been feuding for decades and are now planning to settle a score once and for all
Is “Settle a score” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“Settle a score” is a proverb. A proverb is a short saying that teaches us something important or gives us advice. Unlike an idiom, it’s easy to understand even if it uses figurative language.
How would I use “Settle a score” effectively in context?
You can use "Settle a Score" to refer to resolving a disagreement or seeking revenge for a past offense. It implies taking action to address a long-standing issue or to seek justice. For example, if two friends have been arguing for a while, you might say, 'It's time to settle the score and find a resolution.'
- 1Sports
After years of rivalry, they finally decided to settle a score on the basketball court.
- 2Personal Feuds
He's been holding a grudge for years and is determined to settle a score with his former business partner.
- 3Gang Rivalry
The two gangs have been feuding for decades and are now planning to settle a score once and for all.
Similar phrases to “Settle a score”:
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “Settle a score” come from?
The origin of the phrase "Settle a Score" is unknown.
Is “Settle a score” common in everyday conversation?
Yes, "Settle a Score" is a common idiom used in everyday conversation. It is often used to describe situations where people resolve conflicts or seek revenge.
What tone does “Settle a score” have?
"Settle a Score" conveys a tone of determination and resolution. It suggests a desire to address a long-standing issue or seek justice.
Can “Settle a score” be used in informal and formal settings?
The phrase "Settle a Score" is commonly used in both informal and formal settings. It can be used in casual conversations among friends or in more formal contexts such as business negotiations or legal discussions.
Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?
It is commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'They decided to settle a score and put an end to their feud.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'Time to "settle a score"!' to imply readiness to address a conflict.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
- seek revenge
- address a conflict
- even the score
- get back at someone
- take revenge
Antonyms
- let bygones be bygones
- bury the hatchet
- forgive and forget
- make amends
- reconcile
