Let somebody have it Definition 1 of 3Pro Tip 1/3Strong Emotion Expresses anger or frustration towards someone's actions or mistakes. After the team lost the game, the coach let them have it. Pro Tip 2/3Informal Setting Commonly used in casual or informal situations, not in professional writing. My dad let me have it when I came home past curfew. Pro Tip 3/3Intensity Implies a sudden or intense outburst, not just mild criticism. She really let me have it for losing her keys.