settle old scores

USAGE SUMMARY

'settle old scores' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is mainly used to refer to resolving some kind of conflict or argument with someone from the past. For example, "He used the opportunity to settle old scores with his former business partner."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

51 human-written examples

Peronists were waiting to settle old scores.

The Guardian - Books

"I am going back to settle old scores," he said.

The New York Times - Magazine

"But a lot of Iraqis want to settle old scores.

The New Yorker

Hoxha also uses With Stalin to settle old scores.

The Guardian - Books

It was also a chance to settle old scores.

The Economist

Burt intends to stay in Europe, find his lost son and settle old scores.

The New York Times - Books

With the change in power, it is time to settle old scores".

The New York Times

Others are exploiting the insecurity to settle old scores and steal millions of dollars of cows.

The Guardian

Thelwell's insults and attempts to settle old scores fit poorly in Carmichael's generally high-minded memoir.

The New York Times - Books

Some use the group to settle old scores that reflect a landscape hard to imagine now.

The New York Times

The undead tend to unleash twitchy maxims like "Vampires don't settle old scores; we harbor them".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "settle old scores", consider the intensity of the situation. It implies a desire to address past grievances, which might not always be the most constructive approach. Be mindful of the context and whether reconciliation is a more suitable goal.

Common error

Avoid using "settle old scores" when a simple discussion or apology would suffice. Overusing this phrase can make you sound vengeful or unnecessarily aggressive, even when a more diplomatic resolution is possible.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "settle old scores" functions as a verb phrase, typically used within a clause. It describes the action of resolving past conflicts, often with an implication of revenge or retribution. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a usable phrase in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Academia

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "settle old scores" is a common expression used to describe the act of resolving past conflicts, frequently with a sense of revenge or retribution. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s a correct and usable phrase in English. While grammatically sound and widely used, it's essential to consider the context and potential implications of using this phrase. As shown by Ludwig, it appears most frequently in news and media, suggesting a neutral to slightly informal register. When seeking alternatives, consider the specific nuance you wish to convey, opting for more neutral phrases like "resolve old conflicts" if a less aggressive tone is desired. Be mindful of the potential negative connotations associated with "settle old scores", ensuring it aligns with your intended message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

even the score

This alternative emphasizes achieving a balance after a past imbalance.

get even

This alternative is a more direct and informal way to express seeking retribution.

take revenge

This alternative emphasizes the act of avenging past wrongs.

exact retribution

This alternative is a more forceful and formal way to describe seeking revenge.

avenge past wrongs

This alternative is more formal and highlights the injustice being addressed.

retaliate for past offenses

This alternative is a formal and legalistic way to describe responding to previous transgressions.

resolve old conflicts

This alternative focuses on finding a resolution to past disputes rather than seeking revenge.

pay back for past grievances

This alternative focuses on the act of repayment for perceived injustices.

square accounts

This alternative uses a financial metaphor to describe resolving past issues.

get satisfaction

This alternative focuses on achieving a sense of closure or justice.

FAQs

How can I use "settle old scores" in a sentence?

You can use "settle old scores" to describe situations where someone is seeking to resolve past conflicts, often through some form of retaliation or retribution. For example, "After years of silence, he returned to town to "settle old scores" with those who had wronged him."

What's the difference between "settle old scores" and "resolve old conflicts"?

"Settle old scores" implies a more adversarial approach, often involving revenge or payback. "Resolve old conflicts", on the other hand, suggests a more peaceful and constructive effort to find a solution and move forward.

Are there less aggressive alternatives to "settle old scores"?

Yes, if you want to convey resolving past issues without the implication of revenge, you can use phrases like "mend fences", "reconcile differences", or "bury the hatchet".

Is "settle old scores" appropriate in formal writing?

While "settle old scores" is understandable, it can sound somewhat informal or even aggressive for formal writing. In such contexts, consider using more neutral phrases like "resolve past disputes" or "address historical grievances".