have a word

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have a word (third-person singular simple present has a word, present participle having a word, simple past and past participle had a word)

1. (idiomatic, meiosis) To speak to someone, usually and especially in private, often in order to admonish.

   I think we should have a word.

   She knew she was in big trouble when the teacher asked to have a word with her after class.

• have a word in someone's ear
• have a word with oneself