have it out

Idioms

Settle decisively, especially in an argument or discussion. For example, “I shall double-lock myself in with him and have it out before I die” (Charles Dickens, Nicholas Nickleby, 1839). [Early 1800s]

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

The committee should debate, wrestle, have it out, all that.

From Slate • May 26, 2026

“I should have it out of there by lunch,” he said.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 7, 2026

"When I go and you have it out around the corner, that is the problem," he said.

From BBC • Apr. 22, 2024

That's why I wanted to put my name on this and have it out there.

From Salon • Nov. 17, 2023

If I'm not back in time for dinner, Mom will have it out for me.

From "How It Went Down" by Kekla Magoon

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023