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Synonyms

have it in for

Idioms  

  1. Intend to harm, especially because of a grudge. For example, Ever since he called the police about their dog, the neighbors have had it in for Tom. [Mid-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.

It plays straight into the hands of those supporters only too willing to cry "corruption" or feel referees "have it in" for their particular club.

From BBC • Nov. 12, 2024

Harry appears to really have it in for his stepmother, Camilla, Queen Consort, the wife and longtime lover of his father.

From Washington Post • Jan. 10, 2023

Some people might listen to your criticisms and say, “Does this guy really have it in for Bill Gates?”

From Slate • Oct. 27, 2021

Bill Plaschke seems, again, to be submerged in the vortex caused by a relatively small number of overly vocal USC alumni who simply have it in for Clay Helton, “a massively unpopular head coach.”

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 20, 2019

Stanley didn't know why Mr. Pendanski seemed to have it in for Zero.

From "Holes" by Louis Sachar

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

Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.