How to Say "Settle a Transaction Fairly" in English: Common Phrases You Need to Know
We’ve all been there—whether you're splitting a bill with friends or deciding how to handle an agreement, you need a way to say, "Alright, let’s settle this!" In these moments, you're trying to wrap things up and make sure everything is balanced. The idea here is about making sure that everyone’s contributions are acknowledged and equal. Let’s dive into some common phrases used by native speakers to express this idea.
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Common English Expressions for "Settle a Transaction Fairly"
1. Call It Even
Meaning: This phrase is often used to say that all debts or obligations are now settled. It’s like saying, “We’re good, no need for further exchanges.”
Example 1:
"You bought lunch last time, so let’s call it even."
This implies that there’s no need to owe anything anymore—everything is balanced.
Example 2:
"Can we call it even after I helped you move? I think we're square."
Example 3:
"Once you return the money, we can call it even."
This is often used when you’re closing out a deal or favor.
When to Use It: It’s most commonly used when you want to indicate that a transaction, favor, or debt has been completed, and no further exchanges are needed.
2. Square Up
Meaning: To settle the bill or make sure everything is accounted for. It’s a casual, everyday way to say that everything needs to be paid up or evened out.
Example 1:
"Let's square up before we leave. I’ll pay for the drinks."
Here, "square up" means to make sure the payment is handled.
Example 2:
"We’ll square up once we’re done with everything."
You’re saying that after the task is completed, everything will be settled.
Example 3:
"I’ll buy the drinks this time, but we’ll square up the rest later."
Used in situations where payments or debts will be handled at a later time.
When to Use It: Typically used in informal situations, like with friends or when paying bills together.
3. Settle the Score
Meaning: This one is often used when talking about balancing out debts, but it can also refer to resolving conflicts, not just financial ones.
Example 1:
"We finally settled the score after that big argument."
In this case, it’s about clearing up a disagreement.
Example 2:
"Let’s settle the score and move past it."
You're saying it's time to resolve the issue so everyone can move on.
Example 3:
"I’m ready to settle the score for the prank you pulled on me last time!"
Here, it’s more playful—you're “getting back” at someone.
When to Use It: This phrase is great when you’ve had a dispute or you want to end a lingering conflict, not just a financial transaction.
4. Make It Even
Meaning: This phrase suggests that you balance out a situation so both parties feel like everything is fair and equal.
Example 1:
"I’ll get the coffee, so you can get lunch to make it even."
Here, the idea is that one person buys one thing, and the other person balances it by buying something else.
Example 2:
"Help me with my project, and I’ll make it even by helping you later."
This is about making sure both people benefit equally.
Example 3:
"Let’s make it even by splitting the costs of the trip."
This makes sure that neither person feels like they’re paying more than the other.
When to Use It: When you're trying to make sure that things are fairly balanced, whether it’s money, favors, or responsibilities.
5. Call It Quits
Meaning: This phrase indicates that both sides agree to end the matter and move on. No more obligations or disputes—everything is finished.
Example 1:
"Let’s call it quits after all this back and forth."
This is used when you want to stop the argument or negotiations.
Example 2:
"If we both agree, we can call it quits right here and stop arguing."
It means you’re done with the whole matter.
Example 3:
"Let’s call it quits and stop worrying about this."
You’re signaling that there’s no need to continue, and the matter is closed.
When to Use It: This is often used when you want to end a disagreement or transaction, especially when no further discussion is needed.
Most Common Expression: Call It Even
Of all these phrases, the most commonly used expression in everyday American English is "Call it even." It’s the go-to phrase when you want to let someone know that all debts or obligations are now settled and you’re all square.
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Quick Comparison Chart:
| Phrase | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Call It Even | Settle all debts and obligations. | "You paid last time, so we can call it even." |
| Square Up | Settle accounts, make payments. | "Let’s square up before we head out." |
| Settle the Score | Resolve conflicts or debts, often after a disagreement. | "Let’s settle the score from last week." |
| Make It Even | Balance out a situation so both sides feel fair. | "I’ll buy dinner, you get the next one to make it even." |
| Call It Quits | End the transaction or dispute. | "Let’s just call it quits and forget it." |
Quiz: Test Your Understanding
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Which phrase would you use to say everything is now balanced after a transaction?
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A) Call it quits
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B) Square up
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C) Call it even
Answer: C) Call it even
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What would you say if you want to resolve an argument and move on?
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A) Make it even
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B) Settle the score
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C) Call it quits
Answer: B) Settle the score
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If you're splitting the bill with friends, which phrase makes sense?
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A) Square up
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B) Call it quits
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C) Make it even
Answer: A) Square up
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Which phrase would you use when you want to end an argument and stop worrying about it?
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A) Call it quits
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B) Settle the score
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C) Make it even
Answer: A) Call it quits Which phrase would you use when making sure everything is paid and no one owes anything anymore?
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A) Square up
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B) Call it quits
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C) Make it even
Answer: A) Square up
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What phrase is best used when you're trying to make sure both sides are equally satisfied after an agreement?
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A) Call it even
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B) Settle the score
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C) Make it even
Answer: C) Make it even
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If you’re ready to end a disagreement and stop arguing, which phrase would you use?
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A) Call it even
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B) Call it quits
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C) Square up
Answer: B) Call it quits
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Which phrase would you use to resolve a conflict or deal with something that happened in the past (like a prank or disagreement)?
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A) Settle the score
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B) Square up
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C) Make it even
Answer: A) Settle the score
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Which phrase would you use if you want to split the cost of something with a friend?
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A) Call it quits
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B) Square up
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C) Call it even
Answer: B) Square up
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If you’ve done someone a favor, and they do something in return to balance it out, which phrase would fit?
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A) Call it even
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B) Make it even
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C) Settle the score
Answer: B) Make it even
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FAQ
Q: Can I use "call it even" for both money and favors?
A: Yes! "Call it even" can be used for both financial transactions and favors. It simply means that everything is balanced out, no further exchanges are necessary.
Q: Is "square up" used in formal situations?
A: Not really. "Square up" is informal and typically used among friends or in casual settings, like splitting a restaurant bill.
Q: Can "settle the score" be used for positive situations?
A: While "settle the score" usually refers to resolving conflicts or disputes, it can be used playfully, like when settling a friendly competition or a light-hearted prank.
By using these phrases correctly, you’ll sound more natural in casual conversations, and you’ll be able to handle transactions, disagreements, or debts with ease. So go ahead and "call it even" next time you're wrapping up a deal or favor!
