He wants to settle a score with his old rival.
settle a score
idiomTo even the score.
After years of being treated unfairly, she finally returned to the company to settle a score with her former boss.
The protagonist returned to his hometown not for nostalgia, but with a cold determination to settle a score that had haunted his family for generations.
- 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.
- 04
know the score
To be aware of a situation, especially of the consequences of misconduct.
- 05
no score
In a sporting event, a score of zero to zero.
- 06
score off
To 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).
- 07
settle for
To accept or allow something, especially something not entirely desirable.
- 08
settle in
To get comfortable or established, as in a new place.