Dictionary

keep score en · VERB

Meanings

1. To keep track of the score in a game.
2. (broadly, figuratively) To keep track of figures, numbers, or other details in various other contexts.
   • Too many of us are attempting to "prove" our manhood by the tired heterosexual method of "keeping score". 1977 April 30, Steven Blevins, “Sexism in the Bars, Baths, and Bushes”, in Gay Community News, page 5:
3. (broadly, figuratively) To keep track of figures, numbers, or other details in various other contexts. ▸ To monitor and assess the actions and conduct of others, including potential infringements, conflicting objectives, or notable interactions, across interpersonal, political, and broader social domains, encompassing both offline and digital environments.
   • i never, EVER entered into a friendship with the idea that i was *owed* anything by that person. i never "kept score". not ever. 1998 August 19, rena, “what's the deal??”, in alt.support.depression.flame (Usenet):
   • I've been praying on my own since very, very young [...] but it "degenerated" in me talking to God direct [...] and asking various things for others, sometimes for myself. It worked very often but I never kept score. 2000 August 12, meg...@abacom.com, “Inner Voice”, in sci.philosophy.meta (Usenet):
   • What I've learned I'm not really sure / Oh so many times / I've stopped keeping score / Traces and faces and people I meet / Seem to be a circle that just repeats 1974, Ashford & Simpson, “Over To Where You Are”, in I Wanna Be Selfish:

Forms

Relateds

scorebook · scoreboard · scorekeeper · even the score · scorecard · settle the score · pay off old scores · scorekeeping