not have a good word to say about (someone of something)

not have a good word to say about (someone of something)

To always say negative, hurtful, or critical things about someone or something; to never or rarely say something positive or encouraging about someone or something. No wonder the kid's self esteem is so low—his parents don't have a good word to say about him. I don't understand why she stays in the same job if she doesn't ever have a good word to say about it.

See also: good, have, not, of, say, to, word

Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2015 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.