have it in for

In real, traceable use. Part of the curated seed collection; community review is coming.

Meaning · English

To be very angry with; to have a grudge against; to intend revenge against.

Register: colloquial

Where it’s used: Used American English

Examples

My boss must really have it in for me; that was the third lecture this week!

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).

Common questions

What does “have it in for” mean?

To be very angry with; to have a grudge against; to intend revenge against.

Is “have it in for” formal or informal?

have it in for is generally colloquial.