[even] the score
1
to make things fair by addressing a previous unfairness or imbalance
The idiom "even the score" originates from the world of sports and games, where the term "score" refers to the points or goals earned by competitors. When two teams or individuals are engaged in a match or competition, the objective is to outscore the opponent. "Evening the score" means equalizing the points or achieving a tie, essentially resetting the competition to a balanced state. It can be used in both competitive and non-competitive contexts to indicate a desire for equilibrium.
- After losing the first game, the tennis player was determined to even the score in the second set.
- The employee felt mistreated by their supervisor and sought to even the score by reporting the issue to HR.
- In the world of business, competitors often launch new products to even the score with rivals and regain market share.
- The detective was determined to even the score with the criminal who had eluded capture for so long.
- He wanted to even the score with his friend after losing a bet, so he challenged him to a rematch.