have a word with

Idioms  

1. Speak with, discuss with, as in Jerry asked to have a word with you, or I must have a word with Bill about the repairs. This expression, from the late 1400s, was at one time used interchangeably with have words with, but it no longer is.

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Example Sentences

“I was wondering if I might have a word with Andrew Yaeger in the hall. You have my word I’ll have him back in a jiff.”

From Literature

“Except for you, Miss Lumley. You are to come see me in my study at five o’clock, precisely one hour from now. I would have a word with you. In private.”

From Literature

So she took to calling Eisman’s wife, whom she knew, to ask her to have a word with her husband.

From Literature

I manage to have a word with them before they enter the courtroom.

From BBC

I'm like, "The seahorses would like to have a word with you about that."

From National Geographic