Phrase guide

let someone have it

verb · 3 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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1

verb

Meaning 1

To attack someone with great force.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: idiomatic

Examples

  • At dawn we really let 'em have it with a 30 minute artillery barrage.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

2

verb

Meaning 2

To verbally assail someone.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: idiomatic

Examples

  • When I came home, he let me have it for wrecking the car.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

3

verb

Meaning 3

Used other than figuratively or idiomatically: see let, have, it.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Examples

  • When he showed me that he'd gotten the insurance certificate for our old car, I decided to let him have it.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

No etymology was provided for this word.