know the score

English

Pronunciation

• Audio (General Australian):

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Verb

know the score (third-person singular simple present knows the score, present participle knowing the score, simple past knew the score, past participle known the score)

1. (idiomatic, informal) To be aware of a situation, especially of the consequences of misconduct.
   • 1980, “Somehow”, in New Clear Days, performed by The Vapors:

     I've seen it before / I know the score / You're trying to be wild and carefree / You really can't take it no more

   • 1990, Stock Aitken Waterman (lyrics and music), “Better the Devil You Know”, in Rhythm of Love, performed by Kylie Minogue:

     Our love wasn't perfect I know, I think you know the score / When you say you love me, oh boy, I can't ask for more

Translations

Translations

Finnish: tietää tilanne, olla kärryillä French: connaître la musique (fr), connaître la chanson (fr) Hungarian: tudja, mi az ábra, ismeri a dörgést Spanish: quedarse con la copla, conocer el percal

See also

• know the drill

Further reading

• “know the score”, in Cambridge English Dictionary, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire: Cambridge University Press, 1999–present.
• “know the score”, in Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary, Springfield, Mass.: Merriam-Webster, 1996–present.
• “know the score” in Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English, Longman.
• “know the score”, in Collins English Dictionary.
• “know the score” (US) / “know the score” (UK) in Macmillan English Dictionary.