Have a score to settle Meaning in English

expression

US

ˈhæv/ /ˈeɪ/, /ə/ /ˈskɔɹ/ /ˈtu/, /tə/, /tɪ/ /ˈsɛtəɫ

HAV uh SKOR tuh SET-l

UK

hæv/ /æɪ/ /skˈɔː/ /tˈuː/ /sˈɛtəl

hav uh SKAW tuh SET-uhl

Definition

To want to take revenge or resolve an old conflict, usually because someone feels wronged by another person.

Usage & Nuances

This is usually figurative and often about anger or rivalry, not actual debts. Common in both serious and playful contexts. It can imply planning revenge or just wanting to prove something.

• Spanish: tener una cuenta pendiente
• Portuguese (BR): ter uma conta a acertar
• Portuguese (PT): ter contas a ajustar
• Chinese (Simplified): 有账要算
• Chinese (Traditional): 有帳要算
• Hindi: हिसाब चुकता करना है
• Arabic: لديه دَين يجب تسويته
• Bengali: হিসাব চুকাতে থাকা - বদলা নেওয়ার ইচ্ছা থাকা
• Russian: свести счёты - иметь счёт к кому-то
• Japanese: 決着をつけたい（けっちゃくをつけたい） - 仕返ししたい
• Vietnamese: có chuyện cần giải quyết - muốn trả thù
• Korean: 앙갚음할 일이 있다 - 앙금이 있다
• Turkish: hesaplaşacak bir hesabı olmak - intikam peşinde olmak
• Urdu: بدلہ چکانا ہے - بدلا لینا ہے
• Indonesian: punya urusan yang belum selesai - punya dendam

Example Sentences

He has a score to settle with his old rival.

basic

She felt she had a score to settle after losing last year.

basic

Do you have a score to settle with him?

basic

We lost the last game, so now we have a score to settle.

natural

It’s not personal—I just have a score to settle from last time.

natural

He showed up because he definitely had a score to settle.

natural