call it even

USAGE SUMMARY

"call it even" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is used to indicate that two parties are on equal footing or have reached an agreement about something. For example: "We both did our share of the work, so let's call it even."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

40 human-written examples

and then we'll call it even.

The New Yorker

"Pay whatever the technical violation was, and call it even".

The New York Times

Avoidance of the hard sell: Call it even.

The New York Times - Travel

He waves away the money and says, "Buy me a drink and we'll call it even".

The New Yorker

After Friday night, Brown and the Yankees may call it even.

The New York Times - Sports

Governor Spitzer responded by saying, "How about you just spank me and we'll call it even".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

20 human-written examples

We called it even.

The New York Times - Style

Joe Jonas is calling it even in Sherman Oaks.

Los Angeles Times

In a customer service tussle, which is better: calling it even or getting even?

Los Angeles Times

Let's call it break even.

Cornell University

You can call it sentimental, even cloying, cheap, manipulative.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "call it even" when you want to suggest an agreement to forgive a debt or overlook a minor offense. It implies a mutual understanding to reset the situation.

Common error

Avoid using "call it even" when the situation involves a significant injustice or harm. It's more appropriate for minor debts or disagreements, not for excusing serious wrongdoing.

Linguistic Context

"Call it even" functions as an idiomatic expression used to propose the resolution of a debt, disagreement, or obligation between two parties. As Ludwig AI states, the phrase indicates that the two parties are on equal footing or have reached an agreement. Examples show its usage in contexts of forgiving debts or overlooking minor offenses.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Academia

1%

Science

1%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "call it even" is a common idiomatic expression used to suggest the resolution of a debt or disagreement, restoring balance between parties. As Ludwig AI confirms, it implies an agreement to consider things squared. It is most frequently found in news and media contexts, and is generally considered grammatically correct and appropriate for neutral settings. While it should not be used in situations involving serious harm, it's a useful phrase for suggesting fairness and closure in minor disputes or transactions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we're quits

A shorter, more direct way of saying debts or obligations are resolved.

we're square

A concise and informal way to express that debts or obligations have been settled.

consider it squared

Replaces the idiomatic "call it" with "consider it", while retaining the sense of resolution and balance.

let's settle the score

Uses the metaphor of settling a score to imply reaching a balance or agreement.

the slate is clean

Implies a fresh start with past issues or debts forgiven, focusing on new beginnings.

let's wipe the slate clean

Suggests forgetting past grievances and starting anew, emphasizing forgiveness.

we're on equal terms

Highlights the equality achieved after resolving any imbalances or debts.

consider our accounts settled

A more formal way to indicate that all financial or other obligations have been met.

balance the books

Draws from accounting terminology to represent achieving equilibrium in a broader context.

it's all water under the bridge

Focuses on letting go of past issues, implying they no longer matter or affect the present.

FAQs

What does "call it even" mean?

The phrase "call it even" means to agree that a debt is settled or that two people are equal in status, often after an exchange or compromise. It suggests a mutual agreement to consider things balanced.

How can I use "call it even" in a sentence?

You can use "call it even" in a sentence like, "I'll pay for lunch this time, and you can pay next time, and we'll "call it even"." It's used to suggest that the contributions will balance out over time.

What's a more formal way to say "call it even"?

A more formal way to say "call it even" is "consider our accounts settled" or "let's consider the matter resolved". These phrases are suitable for professional or official contexts.

Are there situations where it's inappropriate to say "call it even"?

Yes, it's inappropriate to use "call it even" in situations involving serious harm or injustice. It's best suited for minor debts or offenses where a simple agreement can restore balance.