have it out
Air grievances directly
Have it out means to confront someone directly about a disagreement or grievance, typically through intense discussion or argument until the matter is resolved: We finally had it out about the money he owed me.
The phrase implies clearing the air rather than letting tension simmer—an emotional reckoning that may be heated but aims for resolution.
Reasoned case or dispute
- quarrelAngry verbal dispute
- disputeVerbal clash over differences
- clashViolent disagreement or collision
- altercationHeated verbal dispute
showdown · fight · row · blowup · confrontation · feud · spat · tiff
Verbal exchange between people
- conversationExchange of spoken ideas
- dialogueSpoken exchange between parties
- debateFormal argument on issues
- discussionExchange of ideas
exchange · heart-to-heart · clearing the air · airing grievances · laying cards on the table · resolution · understanding · reconciliation
argument
Reasoned case or dispute
- quarrelAngry verbal dispute
- disputeVerbal clash over differences
- clashViolent disagreement or collision
altercation · showdown · fight · row · blowup · confrontation · feud · spat · tiff · wrangle
talk
Verbal exchange between people
- conversationExchange of spoken ideas
- dialogueSpoken exchange between parties
- debateFormal argument on issues
discussion · exchange · heart-to-heart · clearing the air · airing grievances · laying cards on the table · resolution · understanding · reconciliation · closure
have it outbury one's head in the sand
Avoid acknowledging uncomfortable truths
bite one's tongue · bottle up · suppress · sidestep · let sleeping dogs lie