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Glite Dictionary
to have a quiet word

to have a quiet word

2 6.0
To speak to someone in private about something sensitive
  • phrasal verb
translation icon : hablar en privado
  • Can I have a quiet word with you about the issue we discussed earlier?

Examples

Synonyms

to speak
vsto have a quiet word
∞ 1.0

To talk with someone to share thoughts or feelings

is narrower focusing on confidential or sensitive topics not general talk
to speak to
vsto have a quiet word
∞ 1.7

To talk to someone about a problem or plan

is limited to discreet sensitive issues rather than general discussion
to whisper
vsto have a quiet word
586 1.0

To speak very quietly using only breath so one person can hear

is about confidential matters rather than just low voice
a word in someone's ear
vsto have a quiet word
  • Informal
6.3

A private talk to give advice or a warning

is used for private talks about sensitive or discreet matters

Antonyms

to speak in public
  • Formal
5 3.9

To talk in front of a group of people

How Private

to confide
113 4.6
to have a quiet word
2 6.0
to whisper
586 1.0
to say
∞ 1.0

Surface Forms

have a quiet word infinitive
had a quiet word past
had a quiet word past participle
having a quiet word present participle
has a quiet word third person singular

Morphology

have + a + quiet + word

The meaning 'to speak privately' is directly derivable from combining 'have' (to engage in), 'quiet' (discreet, low-profile) and 'word' (a short conversation). This compositional pattern — 'have a [adjective] word' meaning 'have a brief/discreet talk' — is transparent and readily inferable by a B1 learner who knows the constituent meanings.

Etymology

Have a quiet word comes from the image of leaning close and lowering your voice so you can say a soft word that others cannot hear. That's why it now means 'to speak privately' or 'to talk about something sensitive'.