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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.

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Major League Baseball introduced its automated ball-strike challenge system about six weeks ago and, already, there is one undeniable truth about the game’s new electronic overlords: The robot umpires have it in for pitchers.

From The Wall Street Journal ● May 6, 2026

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

"Then he goes ahead and writes a novel. He knows he will get killed critically because everyone in the literary establishment will have it in for him."

From Los Angeles Times ● May 15, 2018

I suspect that Ms. Wyman would not care so much if she didn’t already have it in for Addie on account of the Pledge.

From "The Misfits" by James Howe

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