even the score: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘even the score’ mean?
The idiom "even the score" means to seek or achieve revenge or retribution, typically in response to a perceived injustice or wrongdoing.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "get even" means to retaliate or seek revenge for a wrong or injustice that has been done to oneself. It implies a desire to balance the scales and restore fairness or justice.
The idiom "even keel" means to be calm and balanced, without experiencing extreme emotions or reactions.
The idiom "draw even" means to reach a state of equal or balanced competition or progress.
The idiom "draw even" is used to describe a situation where two opposing sides or individuals come to an equal or balanced position. It refers to reaching a point of equality or parity after a period of competition or conflict.
An idiom meaning to outdo or surpass someone's accomplishment or action.
The idiom "do someone one better" is often used in colloquial speech and is derived from the broader phrase "one-upping." It implies a sense of competitive spirit and a desire to excel beyond what has already been accomplished.
The idiom "do someone like that" means to treat someone in a negative or unfair manner, often involving deception or harm. It suggests behaving unkindly or spitefully towards someone and implies a sense of betrayal or mistreatment.
The idiom "do somebody wrong" means to treat or behave towards someone in an unfair or unjust manner.
The idiom "do justice" means to accurately or adequately represent or portray something. It implies that the subject or object should be given the recognition or treatment it deserves and not be underestimated or downplayed.
An idiom meaning to take shortcuts or do something in a faster or easier way, often sacrificing quality or thoroughness. It is used to describe a situation where someone tries to save time, money, or effort by finding an easier or quicker way to achieve a goal.
Unbalancing the Scales
Even the score is an idiom commonly used in English language to seek revenge or retaliate in order to restore fairness or justice. It suggests that someone has been wronged or treated unfairly, and they are taking action to make things right. The idiom is often used in situations where there is a desire for retribution or for balancing the scales.
The idiom "even the score" draws upon the imagery of a game or competition, where each action is recorded to determine a winner. In this context, "evening the score" refers to making the tally or score equal, particularly when one side has been disadvantaged or mistreated. It is about seeking justice.
While the exact origins of the idiom are unclear, it is likely that the phrase has been in use for many centuries. Seeking revenge or retaliation to restore fairness is a common theme throughout history and cultures. The idiom "even the score" emerged as a concise and memorable way to express this desire for retribution.
Today, "even the score" is commonly used in both formal and informal contexts. It can be used personally, when someone feels wronged and wants to seek justice. It can also be used in a broader societal context, when a community seeks to rectify past injustices.
It is important to note that seeking revenge or retaliation is a common interpretation of the idiom. However, it can also be used metaphorically to describe any action taken to restore fairness or balance. This could include legal actions, negotiations, or other forms of peaceful resolution.
The idiom "even the score" captures the universal human desire for retribution in the face of perceived injustice. While its exact origins are unclear, its usage has become deeply rooted in the English language. Whether used in personal or societal contexts, the idiom conveys the idea of seeking balance and fairness, leaving room for interpretation and reflection on the complexities of justice.
The related idiom "get even" is synonymous with "even the score." It means seeking retaliation or vengeance to restore fairness or justice. The primary difference is that "get even" is a more colloquial and informal way of expressing the same concept.
"score off" is another related idiom that is often used interchangeably with "even the score." It means to retaliate or seek revenge against someone who has wronged you, with the aim of restoring fairness or justice. "Score off" can also refer to taking advantage of someone or gaining an advantage over them in a competitive or confrontational situation.
"draw even" is a phrase that is similar in meaning to "even the score." It means to make a situation fair or equal after one side has been at a disadvantage. It can be used in various contexts, such as sports, relationships, or business, to describe the process of restoring balance or fairness.
"even money" is a related phrase that is often used in gambling or betting contexts. It refers to a bet where the potential winnings are equal to the amount of money wagered. In a broader sense, it can also be used to describe a situation where the risks and rewards are balanced or equal.
"do justice" is a phrase that expresses the concept of ensuring fairness or giving something its deserved attention or recognition. It is often used to describe the act of treating someone or something in a just and equitable manner. "Doing justice" can involve taking action to correct a wrong or to give proper credit or recognition to someone or something.
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom *even the score* can be used in a sentence:
- After losing the first match, she was determined to even the score in the next game.
- He decided to prank his friend as a way to even the score for all the times his friend had pranked him.
- After being cheated on, she felt the need to even the score by having her own affair.
More "Justice" idioms
