settle the score

settle the score (with someone)

To get vengeance (on someone) for a past wrong or grievance; to punish someone for causing one harm or misfortune in the past. The former champion entered the competition looking to settle the score with the young player who dethroned him in the previous tournament. After five years in hiding from the law, Hofstadter decided it was time to return to town and settle the score.
See also: score, settle
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

settle the score

(with someone) Go to settle a score with someone.
See also: score, settle
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.
See also:
  • settle a score
  • settle a score (with someone)
  • settle a score with
  • settle a score/an account
  • settle the score (with someone)
  • settle an old score (with someone)
  • settle old scores (with someone)
  • look past
  • brush past (someone or something)
  • blow past (someone or something)
References in periodicals archive
"Now there's every chance to settle the score properly."
Khan is focused on his spectacle; Haye clash is no problem
Ready to settle the score over the dispute, Ludemann travelled to her love rival's home in Pinellas Park, Florida, to declare Camacho hers.
Teen knifed rival
Unfortunately for Gaynor, he decides to settle the score with Rhys in front of an inspector.
POBOL Y CWM
Now he's backing international pal Kerzhakov, who will lead Dynamo Moscow's attack at Parkhead, to settle the score.
RUSSIAN IN FOR REVENGE
The South Africans will be looking to settle the score here today and claim an all important victory over the Aussies at the end of play.
PICK OF THE DAY; Live Test Cricket (Sky Sports 1, 11.30pm)
FIRED-UP Cyprus skipper Ioannis Okkas feels Cyprus were robbed blind in Dublin last year and is determined to settle the score tonight.
Okkas: We will put Gio to the sword; SKIPPER FIRED UP TO FINN-ISH JOB TONIGHT