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# a quiet word

phrase (noun phrase: a quiet word; to have a quiet word with someone)

«a quiet word» in the English dictionary: in the primary school — its meanings, how the lessons use it, and examples, each with its tree on Mova.

## In the primary school

Source: Mova's pupils' dictionary. Licence: [Elamur Cosmic License](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/docs/LICENSE/). Reviewed: the dictionary the pupils of Mova's primary school read; its examples quote the lessons and public-domain tales. Ships with Mova.

### Meaning

(euphemism, UK) a private talk to warn or tell someone off, kindly but firmly.

### In the lessons

UK, Ireland, Australia; teachers, managers, parents; used to make a telling-off sound gentle.

### Examples

- I'll have a quiet word with him about the noise.
- Can I have a quiet word?
- The head had a quiet word with the boys after the fight.
- Manager: «I had a quiet word about his lateness.»
- Mum had a quiet word with my teacher.
- Neighbour: «I had a quiet word about the dog barking at night.»

### Note

Stands for «a private telling-off» or «a warning». Not just a soft voice. See «a word in your ear».