OpenSynonym

had it in for

/hæd ɪt ɪn fɔr/

VERB

1. Having hostility or a grudge against someone

To feel persistent hostility, resentment, or ill will toward someone, often resulting in a desire to criticize, punish, disadvantage, or cause trouble for that person.

1.1. Personal hostility and resentment

Used when someone appears to have a personal dislike, grudge, or persistent negative attitude toward another person, treating them unfairly or showing deliberate antagonism.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Examples

  • No matter what he did, it seemed that the teacher had it in for him.
  • The employee believed that his supervisor had it in for him after their disagreement.
  • She felt that her colleague had it in for her and deliberately undermined her work.
  • The rival team appeared to have it in for the underdog throughout the competition.

Related Words

1.2. Deliberately targeting or treating someone unfairly

Used when someone repeatedly singles out another person for criticism, punishment, discrimination, or unfavorable treatment because of personal hostility or prejudice.

Synonyms

  • disfavored
  • deplored
  • deprecated
  • discountenanced
  • disdained
  • despised
  • detested
  • scorned

Antonyms

Examples

  • The character in the story believed that fate had it in for him, constantly bringing new difficulties into his life.
  • She suspected that the manager had it in for her because she was repeatedly assigned the least desirable tasks.
  • Despite his efforts, he felt that the organization had it in for him and refused to give him a fair opportunity.

Related Words