Even the score
verb
To make a situation equal or fair again by winning or succeeding after a previous loss or failure.
After they scored two goals against us, we worked hard to even the score.
Often appears as...
- manage to even the score
- work to even the score
verb
To get revenge or retaliate when someone has done something negative to you.
He insulted me in front of everyone, and I plan to even the score one day.
Often appears as...
- plan to even the score
- try to even the score
Usage tips
Disapproving
Colloquial
verb
To make a situation equal or fair again by winning or succeeding after a previous loss or failure.
After they scored two goals against us, we worked hard to even the score.
Often appears as...
- manage to even the score
- work to even the score
verb
To get revenge or retaliate when someone has done something negative to you.
He insulted me in front of everyone, and I plan to even the score one day.
Often appears as...
- plan to even the score
- try to even the score
Usage tips
Disapproving
Colloquial
Definition 1 of 2
Pro Tip 1/3Competitive Context
Used when talking about sports or games where teams or players aim to level the playing field.
The underdog team fought hard in the second half to even the score.
Pro Tip 2/3Beyond Sports
It's also used in business or other competitions to describe regaining a balanced or advantageous position.
After losing the contract, we introduced a new product to even the score with our competitor.
Pro Tip 3/3Not Literal
It doesn’t always refer to an actual score in a game but to a metaphorical sense of balance.
She stayed late at work to even the score after taking a long lunch break.
Pro Tip 1/3Competitive Context
Used when talking about sports or games where teams or players aim to level the playing field.
The underdog team fought hard in the second half to even the score.
Pro Tip 2/3Beyond Sports
It's also used in business or other competitions to describe regaining a balanced or advantageous position.
After losing the contract, we introduced a new product to even the score with our competitor.
Pro Tip 3/3Not Literal
It doesn’t always refer to an actual score in a game but to a metaphorical sense of balance.
She stayed late at work to even the score after taking a long lunch break.
Pro Tip 1/3Competitive Context
Used when talking about sports or games where teams or players aim to level the playing field.
The underdog team fought hard in the second half to even the score.
Pro Tip 2/3Beyond Sports
It's also used in business or other competitions to describe regaining a balanced or advantageous position.
After losing the contract, we introduced a new product to even the score with our competitor.
Pro Tip 3/3Not Literal
It doesn’t always refer to an actual score in a game but to a metaphorical sense of balance.
She stayed late at work to even the score after taking a long lunch break.
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