have it out

Idioms

Settle decisively, especially in an argument or discussion. For example, “I shall double-lock myself in with him and have it out before I die” (Charles Dickens, Nicholas Nickleby, 1839). [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.

Even though I knew this wasn’t Miss Buckner’s decision, I couldn’t suppress the impulse to have it out with her.

From Literature

“I should have it out of there by lunch,” he said.

From The Wall Street Journal

My mistake, I suppose, was in being bullied by the record company to have it out as a properly paid-for Pink Floyd record.

From Los Angeles Times

Big Toaster might have it out for me if enough readers follow in my footsteps.

From Salon

“Bottle it up and have it out here every day this week and find a way to just not have that feeling.”

From Los Angeles Times

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023