have a word with (one)
To talk with one, perhaps to issue a warning or reprimand. A: "Aunt Karen let me have ice cream for dinner!" B: "Is that so? Karen, may I have a word with you?" I just had a word with Stu and he said he'll join us tonight. A: "Bill, can I have a word with you when you have a moment?" B: "Uh oh, that doesn't sound good."
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.
have a word with
Speak with, discuss with, as in
Jerry asked to have a word with you, or
I must have a word with Bill about the repairs. This expression, from the late 1400s, was at one time used interchangeably with
have words with, but it no longer is.
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer. Copyright © 2003, 1997 by The Christine Ammer 1992 Trust. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
have a ˈword (with somebody) (about something)
have a short conversation about something, especially in private: Can I have a word, Marie? It’s about Jane.Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017
have a word with
To have a brief conversation with (someone); speak to.
American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright © 2016 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.