go off at score: Idiom Meaning and Origin

There is not much information available about the idiom "go off at score," but based on what we do know, it seems to have originated in England and is not commonly used in modern American English. The idiom carries the idea of criticizing or reprimanding someone in a harsh or severe way. You're more likely to come across it in old literature or historical contexts rather than in everyday speech. Examining the idiom further reveals its connection to scoring points in sports and the possible influence of Shakespearean language.

The exact origins of the idiom "go off at score" are unclear, but we do know that it was used in the English language during the 16th and 17th centuries. This suggests that it might have been around during the time of William Shakespeare, who was known for his contributions to the English language and idiomatic expressions.

The meaning of "go off at score" is to criticize or reprimand someone severely. When we say "go off," we're talking about passionate outbursts or strong reactions, usually with negative connotations. The word "score" refers to a mark or tally and symbolically represents the target of the reprimand. This implies that the criticism is directed at a specific fault, mistake, or inadequacy.

It's important to mention that "go off at score" is not commonly used in modern American English. You're more likely to encounter it in older literary texts or historical contexts. It might even come across as old-fashioned or out of date to native English speakers today, which is why it's not frequently used in everyday conversations or writing.

Another aspect worth considering is the idiom's connection to scoring points in sports. In many sports, "scoring a point" signifies a success or achievement. The use of "score" in "go off at score" might have derived from this association, implying that the criticism is meant to highlight a failure or shortcoming, similar to missing an opportunity to score in a game.

So, in summary, "go off at score" is an idiom that originated in England during the 16th and 17th centuries. It means to criticize or reprimand someone severely and is commonly found in old literary texts or historical contexts. Its connection to scoring points in sports adds to its metaphorical meaning. Although it's not commonly used in contemporary American English, its historical significance and nuanced definition make it an intriguing linguistic relic that invites further exploration.