have words

Verb

have words (third-person singular simple present has words, present participle having words, simple past and past participle had words)

1. (idiomatic) To argue, to have an argument.
   • "It's no treat to me to 'and the dishes when the atmosphere's what you might call electric. . . ."
     "Did they have words?"
     Parker shook his head impatiently.
     "That sort don't have words, Ellen. They just sit and goggle."1920, P. G. Wodehouse, chapter 2, in The Little Warrior
2. (idiomatic) To speak sternly, angrily, or in an argumentative manner to.
   • Clare was for a while protected by the man's unreadiness to have words with his brother, who always took his wife's part.1890, George MacDonald, chapter 47, in A Rough Shaking
   • Gratton has had a series of meetings with Toros president John F. Bassett since he quit the Blues last week after having words with coach Garry Young.1975 December 8, “Gratton, Toros talk”, in Ottawa Citizen, retrieved 24 Aug 2010