have words with

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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.

QUIZ

WILL YOU SAIL OR STUMBLE ON THESE GRAMMAR QUESTIONS?

Smoothly step over to these common grammar mistakes that trip many people up. Good luck!

Question 1 of 7

Fill in the blank: I can’t figure out _____ gave me this gift.

who

whom

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Words nearby have words with

have to, have to do with, have to show for, have two left feet, have up, have words with, Havilah, Haviland, havildar, Havírov, havoc

How to use have words with in a sentence

In other words, fluoride is a broad-spectrum, bipartisan, long-lasting magnet for dissent.
Anti-Fluoriders Are The OG Anti-Vaxxers|Michael Schulson|July 27, 2016|DAILY BEAST
In other words, the free thinker defending freedom of thought.
Houellebecq’s Incendiary Novel Imagines France With a Muslim President|Pierre Assouline|January 9, 2015|DAILY BEAST
In straight relationships with an age gap, words like ‘gold-digger’ and ‘trophy wife’ get thrown around.
Freaking Out About Age Gaps in Gay Relationships Is Homophobic|Samantha Allen|January 9, 2015|DAILY BEAST
In other words, the free speech exhibited by the folks at Charlie Hebdo was not virtuous—until there was a body count.
Politicians Only Love Journalists When They're Dead|Luke O’Neil|January 8, 2015|DAILY BEAST

But as you get older, I find I get more tunes and I have to work harder at the words.
Belle & Sebastian Aren’t So Shy Anymore|James Joiner|January 7, 2015|DAILY BEAST
He prepared a glossary of provincial and archological words, intended for a supplement to Johnson's Dictionary.
The Every Day Book of History and Chronology|Joel Munsell
This wasn't at all what he meant to say, and it sounded very ridiculous; but somehow the words wouldn't come straight.
Davy and The Goblin|Charles E. Carryl
On the morning after Ramona's disappearance, words had been spoken by each which neither would ever forget.
Ramona|Helen Hunt Jackson
She kept her eyes fixed steadily on his, saying what followed gently, calmly, yet as though another woman spoke the words.
The Wave|Algernon Blackwood
The Senora Moreno's heart broke within her, when those words passed her lips to her adored Felipe.
Ramona|Helen Hunt Jackson