The phrase "settles score" is commonly used to describe the act of seeking revenge or paying back someone who has wronged you. The word "settles" is spelled with a double "t" and an "s" at the end, which is pronounced as /ˈsetlz/. The word "score" is spelled with a single "s" and an "e" at the end, which is pronounced as /skɔː/. Together, the phrase is pronounced as /ˈsetlz skɔː/ and is often used in everyday conversation as a way to express the desire for retaliation.
The phrase "settles score" is an idiomatic expression used to describe the act of seeking vengeance or seeking retribution for a previous wrongdoing or offense. The term implies a desire to balance or equalize an injustice or to restore justice through an act of retaliation. It typically refers to a situation where an individual attempts to rectify a perceived wrong or injury by exacting revenge or repaying a debt.
The phrase "settles score" often implies a personal vendetta or personal conflict, where an individual feels compelled to address an offense or wrongdoing that has been committed against them, their honor, or their reputation. The action of settling scores can take various forms, ranging from verbal confrontation to physical aggression, depending on the severity of the initial offense and the individual's temperament.
The underlying sentiment behind settling scores is a desire for justice or an act of restoring one's dignity. However, it is important to note that settling scores is generally considered an act of retaliation, and may not always align with the principles of fairness, forgiveness, or reconciliation. The phrase is typically used in informal or colloquial contexts and is commonly associated with confrontational or aggressive behavior.
The phrase "settles score" can be broken down into two parts: "settles" and "score".
The word "settles" is derived from the verb "settle". It originates from the Middle English word "setlen" and the Old English word "setlan", meaning "to put in order". Over time, its meaning evolved to include the sense of resolving or coming to a conclusion, particularly in terms of disputes or conflicts.
The term "score" comes from the Old English word "scor", which referred to a tally or record of an account. It could denote a marksman's count of hits or the recording of debts and payments. Eventually, "score" came to represent a written record of points as well, often in games or contests.