Crossword Genius

Budget events holding pay back (3,4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

get even

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'pay back' is the definition.
The definition and answer can be both related to competing as well as being verbs in their base form.
Perhaps you can see an association between them that I can't see?

'budget events holding' is the wordplay.
'holding' indicates the answer is hidden within the clue.
'GET EVEN' is hidden in the letters of 'budget events'.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for get even that I've seen before include "avoid an odd outcome?" , "Exact revenge" , "Take revenge" , "Be avenged" , "settle the score" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.
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