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]
have one's say . Express one's views, as in As soon as I've had my say I'll sit down . [Late 1600s]
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.

Allen will even have a say in the hire, Pegula said.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 22, 2026

“One of the great things of being a captain is to have a say in how the course is set up.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Sep. 26, 2025

In a post on X, First Minister Michelle O'Neill said she welcomed the news and that it was a "step forward for democracy and will enable young people to have a say in their future".

From BBC • Jul. 17, 2025

Defence Secretary John Healey told the BBC: "We are prepared to pay our fair share but we want to have a say in the programmes, while retaining UK intellectual property and export opportunities."

From BBC • May 9, 2025

“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