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It was roast beef for supper that evening and de Riviere had said, "A glass of red wine wouldn't go amiss," and scored some points for the laughter that followed."

I searched online dictionaries for score points and there is two meanings:

  • a) (also score off somebody) to say or do something in an attempt to prove that you are better or cleverer than someone else
  • b) informal to do or say something to please someone or to make them respect you

I think (b) definition is fitted but I am not sure. And I don't understand the meaning of the sentence.

So, could you please explain it to me?

The fuller text:

koni had gone into village and bought four bottles of wine in the Auberge du lac. It was roast beef for supper that evening and de Riviere had said, "A glass of red wine wouldn't go amiss," and scored some points for the laughter that followed. So after the meal Konrad went to the nursery, leant a ladder against the wall, climbed up it and tried in vain to pull the ladder up and let it down on the other side. For a moment he was about to aboundon his mission but the image of himself entering the room like a ruturning hero with his trophy of red wine was too sweet...

Small World by Martin Suter Translated by Sandra Harper

  • Note: The original german text is: Es hatte zum Abendessen Rindsbraten gegeben, und de Rivière hatte gesagt: »Ein Gläschen Roten dazu wäre nicht zu verachten«, und damit einen übertriebenen Lacherfolg verbucht.

1 Answer 1

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There's a popular expression to score brownie points, meaning to do or say something that brings you approval or admiration, or that makes people laugh.

This expression is often shortened just to to score points (or to lose points).

It is said to arise from the points that junior girl guides (now referred to as scouts), who were formerly known as Brownies, earned for certain acknowledged skills.

https://www.dictionary.com/browse/brownie--points
https://www.macmillandictionary.com/dictionary/british/score-points

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  • and what about the meaning of the sentence?
    – Peace
    Sep 12, 2020 at 15:25
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    The expression indicates that his comment won the amused approval of those who listened to him. They liked what he said and found it funny. Sep 12, 2020 at 16:36

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