Definition & Meaning of "[even] the score"

What is the origin of the idiom "even the score" and when to use it?

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.