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settling an even score

[/ˈsɛtəlɪŋ ən ˈivən skɔr/]
verb phrase
acertar as contas
1. To resolve a conflict or dispute by taking revenge or evening out a previous wrong; to get even with someone
After years of conflict, they finally settled an even score by competing fairly in the tournament.
Depois de anos de conflito, eles finalmente acertaram as contas competindo de forma justa no torneio.
2. To make things equal or balanced by reciprocal action, especially in cases of mutual debt or obligation
They decided to settle an even score by each paying for their own dinner.
Eles decidiram acertar as contas pagando cada um pela sua própria refeição.
NYC Slang
squash beefs / settle up / get even
Synonyms
get eveneven the scoresettle accountspay backseek revenge
Antonyms
forgivelet it goturn the other cheekmake peace

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
acertar as contas
Most common phrase used in Brazilian Portuguese
São Paulo
acertar as contas / deixar na mesma
Common usage in business and personal contexts
Rio de Janeiro
acertar as contas / tirar a limpo
Often used in colloquial speech
Portugal
acertar contas / pôr as contas em dia
Used similarly but may emphasize financial or literal settlements

Related Idioms & Phrases

get even with someone
even the score
settle accounts
square accounts
wipe the slate clean
call it even
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