He always tries to score off his brother in every argument.
score off
idiomTo defeat (especially in an argument), get the better of, achieve a success over, gain an advantage or win points over, make a point to the detriment or at the expense of, make appear foolish. Sometimes with particle on (someone).
Origin
disputed originscore + off
She felt clever when she managed to score off her boss by pointing out his mistake during the meeting.
The politician sought to score off his opponent by highlighting the inconsistencies in his previous public statements during the televised debate.
- 01
even the score
To seek or obtain revenge against someone.
- 02
four score and seven years ago
Used (sometimes sarcastically) to indicate that a past event being mentioned is particularly important: a long time ago; many years ago.
- 03
go off at score
To break suddenly into a gallop.
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know the score
To be aware of a situation, especially of the consequences of misconduct.
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no score
In a sporting event, a score of zero to zero.
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settle a score
To even the score.
- 07
three score and ten
Seventy, being the number of years in a full lifetime of traditionally-expected duration.