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have it out

B2 informal inseparable intransitive

To have a direct and frank confrontation with someone in order to settle a dispute or misunderstanding.

In plain English

To have a serious talk with someone to settle an argument or problem between you.

What does "have it out" mean?

2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.

1 B2 idiomatic informal

To have a direct, frank, and sometimes heated discussion with someone in order to resolve a conflict or grievance.

"I've been angry about this for weeks — I'm going to have it out with her today and settle it once and for all."

inseparable
2 C1 idiomatic informal

(less common) To fight or argue openly until a winner or resolution is found.

"The two rivals decided to have it out on the tennis court rather than argue any further."

inseparable
Usage tip

Always followed by 'with' and a person. Implies a frank, sometimes heated discussion aimed at resolving tension. The tone can be determined or even aggressive, but the purpose is resolution. Common in British and American English.

Words that pair with "have it out"

Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.

with him with her with them finally decided to need to

How to conjugate "have it out"

The five tense forms you'll use most often.

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

Hear "have it out" in the wild

Listen to native speakers using "have it out" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.

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