Have It In for – Meaning and Examples

Have you ever felt like someone is always criticizing you, giving you extra work, or treating you unfairly—even when you haven’t done anything wrong? In English, you might say they have it in for you! This common idiom describes a situation where someone seems to hold a grudge or is deliberately being hard on another person—often without good reason.

What Does “Have It In for” Mean?

“Have it in for” means to show persistent dislike, hostility, or unfair treatment toward someone—usually because of a personal grudge, jealousy, or bias. Think of it like someone carrying a hidden arrow just for you: they’re ready to use it at any moment. The phrase isn’t literal; it’s a vivid way to say, “They’re out to get me.”

When to Use It

Use this phrase in casual or frustrated conversations with friends, family, or coworkers when someone seems to be singling you (or someone else) out unfairly. It’s common in school, workplace, or social settings where tension or favoritism is noticeable. This idiom is informal but widely understood—great for everyday chats, not formal writing.

Example Sentences

  • My boss always picks on me—she really has it in for me.
  • Don’t take it personally—he has it in for anyone who disagrees with him.
  • Ever since that meeting, he’s had it in for her.
  • Why does the teacher have it in for my son? He’s usually well-behaved!

Mini Dialogue

Alex: “You got another demerit? What happened?”

Jamie: “Nothing! I just walked in late by two minutes. I swear, the supervisor has it in for me.”

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Don’t use “have it in for” when someone is simply strict or professional. It only applies when their behavior feels personal, biased, or unusually harsh—not just firm or fair.

❌ Don’t say: “The coach has it in for the team because he makes us run drills.” (That’s normal coaching.)
✅ Do say: “The coach has it in for me—he benched me even though I scored the winning goal last game.”

Practice Tip

Next time someone seems unfairly targeted, say: “It looks like they have it in for him.” It’s a natural way to describe one-sided hostility in English—just be sure the situation truly fits!

Final Note

Now you can use “have it in for” to describe unfair treatment with clarity and feeling! It’s a relatable phrase that captures the frustration of being singled out. Keep using it—and remember, sometimes it’s not personal… but when it is, this idiom says it all.

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