score to settle
Unresolved personal debt
A score to settle is a grievance or wrong that demands payback.
The phrase implies unfinished business—someone was cheated, insulted, or harmed, and the matter remains unresolved until they get even: He came back to town with a score to settle.
The expression draws on an older sense of score as a tally of debts owed.
- grudgePersistent resentment toward someone
- axe to grindHidden personal agenda
- vendettaProlonged retaliatory conflict
- revengePunishing a wrongdoer
- paybackRetaliation for wrongs
get even · feud · retaliation · bitter · enemy · unfinished · unfinished business · reckoning · day of reckoning · debt · betrayal · wronged · long memory · confront · showdown · rivalry · retribution · avenge
score to settleforgiveness
Releasing resentment toward offenders
reconciliation · pardon · absolution · letting go · burying the hatchet
score to settleclean slate
Record wiped clear
fresh start · no hard feelings · all square · even steven · peace
score to settlegratitude
Thankfulness for kindness received
goodwill · debt of gratitude · appreciation · warm feelings · fondness
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