keep score

present singular third person keeps score · participle present keeping score · participle past kept score · past kept score

1. gamesTo keep track of the score in a game.
2. broadlyfigurativelyTo 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

   1. broadlyfigurativelyTo 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)

      2 more examples

      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

      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)