let (one) have it

let (one) have it

To verbally attack or strongly reprimand one. When the boss finds out that I was responsible for this printing error, he's really going to let me have it.

See also: have, let

let me have it

Tell me the (typically bad) news or information. A: "We've got our financial reports for the last quarter." B: "OK, let me have it. It sure couldn't be worse than the last one." A: "Dan, there's something I need to talk to you about, but I don't know how to go about it." B: "It's all right, Tom. Just let me have it."

See also: have, let

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

let someone have it (with both barrels)

Fig. to strike someone or attack someone verbally. (With both barrels intensifies the phrase; it alludes to firing a double-barreled shotgun.) I really let Tom have it with both barrels. I told him he had better not do that again if he knows what's good for him. Bob was really angry and let John have it—with both barrels.

See also: have, let

Let me have it!

 and Let's have it!

Inf. Tell me the news. Bill: I'm afraid there's some bad news. Bob: Okay. Let me have it! Bill: The plans we made did away with your job. Bob: What? John: I didn't want to be the one to tell you this. Bob: What is it? Let's have it!

See also: have, let

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

let somebody ˈhave it

(spoken, informal) punish somebody or speak to them very angrily: She annoyed me so much that I let her have it. ♢ Dad will let you have it when he sees that mess.

See also: have, let, somebody

Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017

let (someone) have it

Informal

1. To beat, strike, or shoot at someone.

2. To scold or punish.

See also: have, let

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.