having it out
Settling a dispute
Having it out means confronting someone directly to resolve a conflict or clear the air.
The phrase implies an intense, often emotional exchange where grievances are finally addressed: We had it out about the money he owed me.
The confrontation may be verbal or physical, but the goal is resolution rather than ongoing tension.
- clearing the airDispelling misunderstanding openly
- ventingReleasing emotion verbally
- assertivenessConfident self-expression quality
- family disputesConflicts between relatives
- mediationIntervention to resolve conflict
airing grievances · catharsis · trust-building · vulnerability · honesty · brutal honesty · directness · no holds barred · heart to heart · unburdening · negotiation · confession · coming clean · workplace conflicts · laying cards on the table · reconciliation · reckoning · settlement
having it outsweeping under the rug
sidestepping · beating around the bush · burying one's head in the sand · tiptoeing around · walking on eggshells
having it outbiting one's tongue
Deliberately not speaking up
suffering in silence · repressing · keeping quiet · suppressing · internalizing
having it outkicking the can down the road
Postponing action on something
letting sleeping dogs lie · holding a grudge · putting it off · stewing · brooding