score (redirected from scores)

have a score to settle (with someone)

Fig. to have a problem to clear up with someone; to have to get even with someone about something. I have a score to settle with John since he insulted me at our party. John and I have a score to settle.

See also: have, settle

know the score and know what's what

Fig. to know the facts; to know the facts about life and its difficulties. Bob is so naive. He sure doesn't know the score. I know what you're trying to do. Oh, yes, I know what's what.

See also: know

score something (up) against someone or something

to tally up a score against someone or some team. Tara scored a few points against Sally. The Bears scored up thirteen points against the Giants.

See also: against

score something for something 

1. to arrange music for one or more musical instruments; to arrange music for a particular type of voice or voices. The arranger scored the music for two pianos. The arranger scored the song for a four-part chorus.

2. to scratch something, such as glass, for breaking. Valerie scored the piece of glass for breaking and then snapped it off. The worker scored the pane of glass for snapping off.

score against someone or something

to make a point or goal against someone or some team. Because of his bad ankle, Fred was unable to score against his defender. We never scored against the visiting team.

See also: against

score with (someone or a group)

Inf. to please someone or a group. Her rendition of "Old Kentucky Home" really scored with the audience. You really score with me.

settle a score with someone and settle the score (with someone)

Fig. to clear up a problem with someone; to get even with someone. John wants to settle a score with his neighbor. Tom, it's time you and I settled the score.

See also: settle

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know the score  (informal)

to know all the important facts in a situation, especially the unpleasant ones You know the score - no payment until after the article is published.

See also: know

settle a score

to harm someone who has harmed you in the past (often + with ) Police believe the killer was a gang member settling a score with a rival gang.

See also: settle

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know the score

to know all the important facts in a situation You know the score - no payments are made until after the article is published.

See also: know

score points

to do something that will make people like you I don't think you'll score any points with your clients if you don't return their calls. Some reporters are so unpopular that politicians can score points by attacking them.

See also: point

settle a score also settle old scores

to punish someone because they have done something to hurt you in the past Muhammad Ali was eager to settle a score with Joe Frazier. After losing the race for mayor four years ago, running again this year was partly a matter of settling old scores.

Usage notes: often used in the form have a score to settle: The family was mistreated, and they have a score to settle with the government.

Related vocabulary: get even (with somebody)

See also: settle

settle old scores See: settle a score

See also: old, settle