even the score

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "even the score" is correct and is commonly used in written English.
It typically refers to bringing something into balance, so it may be used when you want to say that you are doing something to restore fairness or equality in a situation. For example, you might say, "I'm planning to even the score by forgiving all of my sister's debts to me."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sports

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Maybe all this will even the score.

The New Yorker

Even the score didn't work.

The Guardian - Film

B. J. Surhoff singled to even the score.

The New York Times - Sports

Liggett has affairs to even the score; Jimmy talks tough.

The New Yorker

South Florida did not wait long to even the score.

The New York Times - Sports

Tipsarevic held serve, then broke Hewitt to even the score.

The New York Times

"Why all the lies Franco?" Riff Raff now seems set to even the score.

The Guardian - Music

European banks have used politics before to even the score in China.

The New York Times

This is not akin to giving each team a soft penalty to even the score.

The Guardian - Sport

I can't remember much about the game itself, not even the score.

The Guardian - Opinion

Six minutes later, a miscue by Devils defenseman Tommy Albelin helped the Sabres even the score.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "even the score" when you want to express the idea of redressing a wrong or achieving parity after a disadvantage. It's suitable for describing actions taken to balance things out.

Common error

Avoid using "even the score" when the situation calls for genuine forgiveness or reconciliation. The phrase implies a transactional approach to relationships, not necessarily healing or understanding.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "even the score" functions as an idiomatic verb phrase. Ludwig examples show it commonly describes actions taken to redress wrongs or achieve a balanced state after a previous imbalance or disadvantage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Sports

30%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "even the score" is a very common idiomatic expression used to describe actions taken to redress a wrong or achieve parity after a disadvantage. According to Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and frequently found in news, sports, and general contexts. Related phrases include "get revenge", "settle the score", and "balance the scales". While widely accepted, it's best to avoid using it when a genuine reconciliation is needed. Overall, understanding its use and context contributes to more precise and impactful communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

get even

A shorter, more direct way of expressing the desire for retribution or balance.

settle the score

Similar to "even the score", but implies a more conclusive and final resolution.

balance the scales

Highlights the act of restoring equilibrium or fairness to a situation.

pay back

Suggests returning a favor or harm, often with the implication of justice or fairness.

square things up

Suggests resolving a debt or conflict to achieve a neutral or balanced state.

get revenge

Focuses specifically on inflicting harm or punishment in return for a wrong.

retaliate

A more formal and direct synonym for taking revenge.

strike back

Implies a reaction to an attack or negative action, focusing on the act of retaliation.

reciprocate

Focuses on returning a similar action or feeling, whether positive or negative.

make amends

Emphasizes repairing damage or making up for a wrong, rather than seeking revenge.

FAQs

How can I use "even the score" in a sentence?

You can use "even the score" to describe actions taken to balance things out after a disadvantage, for instance: "After losing the first game, they were determined to "get even" and "even the score" in the next match.

What does "even the score" mean?

"Even the score" means to redress a wrong or achieve parity after a disadvantage. It implies an action taken to create a balance.

Which is correct, "even the score" or "get the score even"?

"Even the score" is the idiomatic and commonly accepted phrase. "Get the score even" is not standard English.

What are some alternatives to "even the score"?

Alternatives to "even the score" include "get revenge", "settle the score", or "balance the scales". The best choice depends on the specific context.