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."
inseparable
have it in for
B2 informal inseparable transitive
To have a persistent hostile attitude toward someone and want to cause them trouble.
In plain English
To want bad things to happen to someone, often for no fair reason.
What does "have it in for" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
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."
inseparable
Usage tip
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.
Words that pair with "have it in for"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
teacher boss manager neighbour always really
How to conjugate "have it in for"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
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
Hear "have it in for" in the wild
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