Three score and ten

Definitions

reference to the age of seventy
To indicate the age of seventy years old

Examples of Three score and ten

She will be three score and ten next year.

This idiom is used to describe a person who will be 70 years old next year. It's a traditional way to express age in a more poetic and old-fashioned way. "Three score and ten" means 60 (three score) plus 10, which equals 70.
They've been married for three score and ten years.

This idiom is used to describe a couple who have been married for 70 years. It's a way to express a long and enduring marriage.
His three score and ten years of experience in the industry have given him a unique perspective.

This idiom is used to describe a person who has a wealth of experience in their industry, having been in it for 70 years. It's a way to highlight the value of experience and knowledge over time.
I wish I had three score and ten years back to do things differently.

This idiom is used to express regret for wasted time or opportunities in the past. It's a way to express the wish to have more time to correct mistakes or make better decisions.
She has lived three score and ten years, which is equivalent to 70 years.

The phrase "three score and ten" is a historical way of saying "seventy" in English. It comes from the Old Testament, where it is written that humans are given "three score and ten" years of life (Psalm 90:10). Although this idiom is less commonly used today, it can still be heard in formal settings or to add a poetic touch to writing. In the example provided, it is used to describe someone who has lived a full and long life.
She doesn't have much longer to live; the doctors have given her three score and ten.

This example shows the idiom being used as a phrase to describe how much time someone has left to live, specifically 70 years. The expression "three score and ten" is an outdated way of expressing the number 70, with "score" meaning 20 and typically being used in place of the number 20.
They've been married for three score and ten years!

This example demonstrates the use of the idiom in a different context, illustrating how long a couple has been married.
Some say that our radioactive waste will be dangerous for three score and ten generations.

The idiom is used here in reference to the potential effects of hazardous materials that could potentially harm future generations for hundreds of years. This idiom indicates that the danger is expected to last for approximately 700 years, as three score and ten is equivalent to 700 years.

Conclusion

The idiom "three score and ten" is a simple reference to the age of seventy. It is often used in a poetic or formal context to indicate someone's age or to refer to a specific time period, such as in historical or biblical writings.

Origin of "Three score and ten"

The idiom "three score and ten" originates from the Bible, specifically from the King James Version of the Book of Psalms, chapter 90, verse 10: "The days of our years are threescore years and ten; and if by reason of strength they be fourscore years, yet is their strength labor and sorrow; for it is soon cut off, and we fly away." In this passage, "threescore and ten" refers to the average lifespan of a person, which was considered to be seventy years. Over time, the phrase has become a common way to refer to the age of seventy. It is also used in literature and everyday conversation to indicate the same age.