ENGLISH
REFERENCE

have a word with oneself

idiom
Meaning

To consider one's attitudes or behavior with a view to reform.


Examples
SIMPLE

You need to have a word with yourself about your bad attitude.

CONTEXTUAL

After losing his temper at the meeting, he decided to have a word with himself about how he treats his colleagues.

COMPLEX

Realizing that his recent choices had alienated his closest allies, he sat in silence to have a word with himself regarding his future conduct.

Anchors to
Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    adorn oneself with borrowed plumes

    To claim the honor of another for oneself.

  2. 02

    apply oneself

    Synonym of strive: to work hard, to complete an activity with good effort and focus.

  3. 03

    bad word

    A vulgar word.

  4. 04

    be oneself

    To behave or act naturally, without regard to how this behavior is perceived by others.

  5. 05

    bear oneself

    To behave and conduct oneself in a particular manner.

  6. 06

    box oneself into a corner

    To create a predicament or problem for oneself; to do something that leaves one with no good alternatives or solutions.

  7. 07

    breathe a word

    To divulge even part of a secret (usually used with a negative).

  8. 08

    buy a dog and bark oneself

    To do something that one has hired someone else to do.

Last updated April 17, 2026