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settle an old score (with someone)

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settle an old 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 an old score with the young player who dethroned him two years prior. After five years in hiding from the law, Hofstadter decided it was time to return to town and settle some old scores.

See also: old, score, settle