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have it in for

B2 informal inseparable transitive
In simple words

To want bad things to happen to someone, often for no fair reason.

Meanings

1 B2 idiomatic informal

To be persistently hostile or unfair toward a specific person, often seemingly without good reason.

"Ever since I arrived late that one time, I feel like my manager has really had it in for me."

Grammar: inseparable
2 B2 idiomatic informal

To deliberately try to cause problems or hardship for someone over a period of time.

"The kids at school had it in for him because he always got the highest marks in the class."

Grammar: inseparable
Usage notes

Always followed by a person or group. Implies the hostility is ongoing and possibly unfair or unjustified. Common in everyday speech when someone feels they are being treated unfairly by an authority figure such as a boss or teacher.

Commonly used with

teacher boss manager neighbour always really

Forms

Base
have it in for
I/you/we/they
3rd person
has it in for
he/she/it
Past simple
had it in for
yesterday
Past participle
had it in for
have + pp
-ing form
having it in for
continuous

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