settle a score

settle a score also wipe out an old score

To hurt (someone) in return for a wrong or loss.

John settled an old score with Bob by beating him.

Compare: GET BACK AT, GET EVEN.

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Source: A Dictionary of American Idioms

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See as well

score

[score] See: [SETTLE A SCORE] also [WIPE OUT AN OLD SCORE], [THE SCORE]. A Dictionary of American Idioms

the score

[the score] {n.}, {slang} The truth; the real story or information; what is really happening; the way people and the world really are. * /Very few people know the score […] A Dictionary of American Idioms

get back at

[get back at] {v.}, {informal} To do something bad to (someone who has done something bad to you) hurt in return. * /John played a joke on Henry, and next […] A Dictionary of American Idioms

wipe out an old score

[wipe out an old score] See: [SETTLE A SCORE]. A Dictionary of American Idioms

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