have words with

1. Quarrel with, scold, as in If Pete keeps on pushing Billy I'm going to have words with him. This phrase dates from the late 1700s, although the use of words for an altercation is much older. Also see have a word with.

Example Sentences

She said: "How is that a response to not go out... to have words with these boys or arrest them?"

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Sudharsan looked to have words with the England fielders as he departed.

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Blackhawks defenseman Jarred Tinordi appeared to have words with Smith as the teams were skating off the ice after the first.

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“See that you don’t, or I’ll have to come have words with you. Now, should we get back to the castle, where it’s warm?”

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Heat coach Erik Spoelstra appeared to have words with Butler as well.

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