ENGLISH
REFERENCE

have something over with

idiom
Meaning

To experience the ending or completion of something.


Origin

disputed origin

get + over with

Examples
SIMPLE

I want to have this test over with today.

CONTEXTUAL

The dentist appointment is painful, but I just want to have it over with as soon as possible.

COMPLEX

She dreaded the difficult conversation with her manager, yet she knew it was better to have it over with before the weekend began.

Anchors to
Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    a little of something goes a long way

    Only a small amount of something is usually required to produce a great effect.

  2. 02

    chalk something up to experience

    To take a lesson from a bad outcome instead of grieving it.

  3. 03

    get something over with

    To proceed to do something as soon as possible, especially so as to have something unpleasant behind oneself.

  4. 04

    give someone something to think about

    To threaten or provide a challenge to.

  5. 05

    give something a go

    To try or attempt.

  6. 06

    give something a miss

    To forgo something.

  7. 07

    give something a try

    To try or attempt something.

  8. 08

    give something a whirl

    To try, test or attempt.

Last updated April 17, 2026