A dictionary of Confusable Phrases: More Than 10,000 Idioms and Collocations

have the last word • say one’s last word
have the last word —make the final categorical utterance in
a dispute, etc.: We can all make suggestions, but the manager
has the last word.
say one’s last word —give one’s final offer, decision or opinion
in a dispute, etc.: I’ve said my last word on this question —
take it or leave it.
have the pleasure of someone’s company • take
pleasure in someone’s company
have the pleasure of someone’s company —(formal) used when
issuing invitations, etc.: May we have the pleasure of your
company for lunch tonight?
take pleasure in someone’s company —enjoy a person’s com-
pany: I take pleasure in your company, and do my utmost to
give pleasure back to you.
have the rag on • lose one’s rag
have the rag on —(sl., also: have the rags on) have one’s men-
strual period: His wife always either had the rag on or had a
headache every time he wanted to have a little fun.
lose one’s rag —(sl.) lose one’s temper: Allison lost his rag
with me over two goals by Leicester’s Mike Stringfellow.
have the wobbly boot on • quake in one’s boots
have the wobbly boot on —(Austral. sl.) be drunk: He was
horrible at lying, and hopefully he wouldn’t feel the need to
brag about it while he had the wobbly boot on at a bar.
quake in one’s boots —(also: shake in one’s boots) be very much
afraid; tremble with fear: Brandon said it was his first time
singing, but he didn’t seem like he was quaking in his boots.
have to go • have to go some
have to go —(euph.) said when one needs to visit a restroom:
“I have to go really bad!” Debbie shouted as she put her hand
on her rear and jumped up and down.
have to go some —one must try harder or improve perform-
ance: You’ll have to go some to make your getaway now —
every man on the force has your description by this time.