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.
The justice secretary told the BBC prisoners being released early did not mean "freedom" and victims would have a say in restrictions placed on those criminals.
From BBC ● Sep. 1, 2026
“His argument is essentially that, since my parents provided the money for the Roth, they have a say in how I invest it.”
From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 31, 2026
His argument is essentially that, since my parents provided the money for the Roth, they have a say in how I invest it: “We gave you the money, and this is what we prefer.”
From MarketWatch ● Aug. 29, 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
“I do it because it reminds me to be here, that I’m still here and I have a say in the matter.”
From "All The Bright Places" by Jennifer Niven
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.
