The idiom - "To pay off old scores" means:

Question

Accepted Answer

The idiom "To pay off old scores" means "to have revenge." This expression is often used to describe a situation where someone seeks to settle past grievances or retaliate against someone who has wronged them. The phrase suggests a sense of settling accounts, not in a financial sense, but in terms of personal vendettas or grievances.

1. **Explanation for Option 2: To have revenge**
   - The idiom "to pay off old scores" is metaphorically linked to the idea of settling a debt, but in this context, it refers to settling a personal or emotional debt. When someone "pays off old scores," they are addressing past wrongs or injustices by taking action against those who have wronged them. This aligns with the concept of revenge, where the individual seeks to balance the scales by retaliating or getting even with someone.

2. **Explanation for why other options are incorrect:**

- **Option 1: To return capital without interest**
     - This option is incorrect because the idiom does not relate to financial transactions or the repayment of money. The phrase "to pay off old scores" is not used in the context of financial dealings or returning capital. It is about personal grievances, not monetary ones.

- **Option 3: To live within one's initial income**
     - This option is incorrect as it pertains to financial management and budgeting, which is unrelated to the idiom in question. The idiom does not concern itself with how one manages their income or expenses but rather with addressing past grievances.

- **Option 4: To refuse to pay one's loan**
     - This option is incorrect because the idiom does not involve refusing payment or financial obligations. Instead, it focuses on the idea of settling personal scores or seeking revenge, which is unrelated to financial loans or debts.

In conclusion, the idiom "To pay off old scores" is best understood as seeking revenge, which is why Option 2 is the correct answer. The other options do not capture the essence of the idiom, as they relate to financial matters rather than personal vendettas.