have it out for
Seeking their downfall
To have it out for someone is to bear a grudge against them and actively seek to cause them trouble or harm.
The phrase implies persistent, targeted hostility rather than a single grievance: My boss has had it out for me ever since I complained to HR.
What did I do? That cop has it out for me.
- retaliateRespond to injury alike
- bear a grudgeMaintain lasting ill will
- vendettaProlonged retaliatory conflict
- resentmentPersistent bitter displeasure
- sabotageDeliberate disruption of operations
throw under the bus · undermine · rivalry · malice · victimize · hostility · animosity · spite · accuse · envy · confront · persecute · feud · axe to grind · target · criticize · settle the score · get even
have it out forwish well
Express benevolent hopes toward
root for · have someone's back · look out for · pull for · champion
have it out forhave someone's back
Offer reliable support
stick up for · champion · support · protect · defend