Word info

score points

Verb

Meaning

Used other than figuratively or idiomatically: see score,‎ point.

(figuratively, often derogatory) To outdo (someone) in an argument, especially by pandering or rhetorical convenience.
He scored points with teachers by promising them higher pay.
Instead of putting forward meaningful proposals, she's just trying to score political points.

Source: en.wiktionary.org

Examples

Philosophy is not politics, and we do our best, within our all-too-human limitations, to seek the truth, not to score points against opponents. There is little satisfaction in gaining an easy triumph over a weak opponent while ignoring better arguments against your views. Peter Singer

We can't be anti-everything - we need an energy plan that adds up. But there's a lack of numeracy in the public discussion of energy. Where people do use numbers, they select them to sound big and score points in arguments, rather than to aid thoughtful discussion. David J. C. MacKay

In Chinese culture, it wouldn't occur to kids to question or talk back to their parents. In American culture, kids in books, TV shows and movies constantly score points with their snappy back talk. Typically, it's the parents who need to be taught a life lesson - by their children. Amy Chua

Close letter words and terms