even the score
Settle the debt
To even the score is to retaliate or get revenge, restoring balance after a perceived wrong.
The metaphor comes from competitive games where equalizing points levels the contest: He insulted me in front of everyone, and I've been waiting to even the score.
The phrase implies calculated payback rather than spontaneous reaction.
- avengePunish on behalf of
- retaliateRespond to injury alike
- paybackRetaliation for wrongs
- requiteReturn equivalent for
- vindicateClear of wrongdoing
pay them back · taste of their own medicine · get back at · hit back · retribution · equalize · reprisal · redress · tit for tat · an eye for an eye · get back · justice · equilibrium · balance · catharsis · showdown · level · tie
even the scoreforgive
Cease to blame
let it go · turn the other cheek · forgive and forget · pardon · show mercy
even the scoremake amends
Compensate for wrongdoing
reconcile · de-escalate · break the cycle · call a truce · surrender