have a say in
Idioms-
Also, have a voice in . Have the right or power to influence or make a decision about something. For example, I want to have a say in this matter , or Citizens want to have a voice in their local government . [c. 1600]
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have one's say . Express one's views, as in As soon as I've had my say I'll sit down . [Late 1600s]
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have the say . Be in command, as in The general has the say over which troops will be sent . [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.
“This offshore fracking proposal really illustrates the importance of having the state have a say in projects that affect its coastal resources,” said Maggie Hall, deputy chief counsel at the Environmental Defense Center.
From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 14, 2026
“I went from ‘OK, he’s president’ to ‘How can I get to be in his orbit?’ to ‘How can I have a say in what’s going to happen today, tomorrow, and next week?’
From Slate ● Jul. 13, 2026
The delay means Kevin Warsh, who became chairman May 22, will have a say in the appointment.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 26, 2026
You have every right to have a say in how it is spent, especially given that you appear to have reason to believe that your ex-husband would tap your sons for cash after you’re gone.
From MarketWatch ● Jun. 23, 2026
“After all,” Mom said, “I am your mother, and I should have a say in how you’re raised.”
From "The Glass Castle" by Jeannette Walls
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.
