running up the score
Piling on points
Running up the score is continuing to score points in a game when victory is already assured.
The phrase implies unsportsmanlike conduct—humiliating an opponent rather than easing off: They were up by forty and still running up the score.
In extended use, it describes any excessive display of dominance when restraint would be appropriate.
- fair playHonorable conduct in games
- unwritten rulesUnstated behavioral expectations
- bush leagueAmateurish and unprofessional
- humiliationLoss of dignity
- rubbing it inEmphasizing another's failure repeatedly
piling on · dominance · rivalry · morale · resentment · honor · aggression · respect · tactical advantage · game plan · momentum · offensive strategy · ethical behavior · integrity · pride · intimidation · ego · frustration
running up the scoreletting up
Decreasing in force
good sportsmanship · easing up · garbage time · backing off · holding back
running up the scorecoasting
Moving without active effort
running out the clock · killing time · winding down · going through the motions · milking the clock
runner, runners, running, score, scores, scored, scorer, scorers, scoring