even the score
Meaning
To get back at someone or do as well as they did, so the advantage, debt, or situation between you becomes equal again.
Origin
From sports and games: to “even the score” literally meant to tie the points. It later broadened to mean restoring balance in any rivalry, often by retaliation.
Notes
Often implies payback or retaliation to restore balance. Neutral in sports (tie the game), but can sound vindictive in personal conflicts. Mostly informal/neutral register.
Examples
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After losing to them last season, we’re determined to even the score in Saturday’s rematch.
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She felt he’d embarrassed her in the meeting, so she looked for a chance to even the score.
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The striker scored in the final minute to even the score at 2–2.
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I’m not trying to even the score—I just want a fair outcome.
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They hacked our site last year, and some people in the group wanted to even the score.
Grammar & Usage Notes
Usually used as a verb phrase: “to even the score” (evens/evened). “the score” is fairly fixed; plural “even the scores” exists but is less common. Also: “even up the score.”
Synonyms
- get even
- settle the score
- even things up
- pay someone back
- take revenge
Antonyms
- turn the other cheek
- forgive and forget
- let it go