# have a word in someone's ear

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/have-a-word-in-someones-ear
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

To speak to someone in private.

## Examples

- I need to have a word in your ear about the project.
- The manager asked to have a word in my ear after the meeting to discuss my performance.
- Sensing his colleague was about to make a grave error, he pulled him aside to have a word in his ear before the presentation began.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.