Can I have a word with you?

Can I have a word with you?

Can I talk to you? (Perhaps to issue a warning or reprimand.) A: "Aunt Karen let me have ice cream for dinner!" B: "Is that so? Karen, can I have a word with you?"See also: can, have, word

I'd like (to have) a word with you. and Could I have a word with you?

I need to speak to you briefly in private. (The alternate entry is also used with can or may in place of could.) Bob: Can I have a word with you? Sally: Sure. I'll be with you in a minute. Sally: Tom? Tom: Yes. Sally: I'd like to have a word with you. Tom: Okay. What's it about?See also: and, could, have, like, word