settle the score

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "settle the score" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is often used to express that two parties have reached a resolution and that any disagreements between them have been resolved. For example: "They had a long argument, but eventually they were able to settle the score and settle their differences."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Opinion

Sports

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

And he wants to settle the score".

The New Yorker

Oscar has his chance to settle the score.

Independent

If only Greg would return to settle the score.

The New York Times

May I surreptitiously break something in their house to settle the score?

The New York Times - Magazine

"It's a battle to settle the score between the Hashd and Daesh," he said.

The Guardian

Again, would that be enough to settle the score for Jesse?

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Your frustrated colleagues now have a convenient way to, quite literally, settle the score.

The Guardian - Opinion

It is less likely to settle the score than to reignite debate.

The New York Times - Magazine

The police say the executives asked Mr. Artimovich to settle the score.

The New York Times

But the administration got the message: after Lockerbie, Washington relied on legal action to settle the score.

The New York Times

But instead he began to settle the score -- for years of petty slights, both real and imagined.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "settle the score" to convey the idea of resolving a conflict or rivalry, particularly when there's a history of animosity or competition. It's suitable for describing situations where one party seeks to even things up after a perceived injustice or defeat.

Common error

Avoid using "settle the score" in contexts where there is no prior conflict or rivalry. The phrase implies a history of disagreement or competition that needs to be resolved.

Linguistic Context

The idiomatic phrase "settle the score" functions primarily as a verb phrase. Ludwig AI confirms its common usage for expressing the act of resolving a conflict, often with the implication of evening out past wrongs or achieving retribution. It frequently appears in contexts involving rivalries, competitions, or personal disputes.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

74%

Opinion

10%

Sports

8%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Science

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "settle the score" is a common and grammatically sound idiomatic expression used to describe the act of resolving a conflict or rivalry, often with the intention of achieving retribution or evening things out. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is widely used in news, media, and informal settings, portraying intentions to get even. While it's considered a neutral phrase, using more formal and descriptive alternatives like "resolve differences" is a good option if the purpose is to tone down the aggressive nuance of the expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

get even

Focuses on achieving retribution or revenge, often in a personal context. Similarity is high as it retains the core meaning of payback.

pay back

Highlights the act of returning a favor or a disservice, often implying retribution. More direct and less nuanced than "settle the score".

right the wrong

Highlights the act of correcting an injustice or unfair situation. Implies a moral imperative to restore balance.

exact revenge

Highlights the act of taking revenge, implying a more deliberate and forceful action. Connotation is stronger and more negative than the original.

take vengeance

Emphasizes a strong desire for revenge, often associated with a sense of injustice. Carries a heavier emotional weight than the original.

square accounts

Implies balancing a debt or resolving a disagreement, often in a business or financial context. Less emotionally charged than "settle the score".

get retribution

Focuses on obtaining deserved punishment or compensation for a wrong. More formal and legalistic than "settle the score".

resolve differences

Emphasizes the act of resolving a disagreement or conflict, focusing on finding a peaceful solution. A more neutral and diplomatic alternative.

seek redress

Implies seeking compensation or correction for a wrong, often through legal or formal channels. Connotation is more formal and procedural.

mend fences

Suggests repairing a damaged relationship, focusing on reconciliation and restoring goodwill. Context is interpersonal and focuses on repairing relationships.

FAQs

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

You can use "settle the score" to describe a situation where someone is trying to get revenge or even things out after a conflict. For example, "After losing the first game, the team was determined to "settle the score" in the rematch".

What's a less aggressive alternative to "settle the score"?

If you want to express resolving a disagreement without the implication of revenge, consider using phrases like "resolve differences" or "mend fences".

Is "settle the score" appropriate for formal writing?

While "settle the score" is widely understood, it's generally more suitable for informal or neutral contexts. In formal writing, consider using more neutral phrases like "square accounts" or "seek redress".

What's the difference between "settle the score" and "get even"?

"Settle the score" implies a more general resolution of a conflict, while "get even" specifically focuses on exacting revenge or retribution. "Settle the score" may involve compromise or fairness, while "get even" is purely about payback.