I'd like a word with you

I'd like a word with you

I'd like to talk to you, perhaps to issue a warning or reprimand. A: "Aunt Karen let me have ice cream for dinner!" B: "Is that so? Karen, I'd like a word with you." Stu, would you please come to my office? I'd like a word with you about this report. A: "Bill, I'd like a word with you when you have a moment?" B: "Uh oh, that doesn't sound good."

See also: like, word

Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.

I'd like (to have) a word with you. and Could I have a word with you?

I need to speak to you briefly in private. (The alternate entry is also used with can or may in place of could.) Bob: Can I have a word with you? Sally: Sure. I'll be with you in a minute. Sally: Tom? Tom: Yes. Sally: I'd like to have a word with you. Tom: Okay. What's it about?

See also: and, could, have, like, word

McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.