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Difference between Have a say and Have the say

admin Confusing Phrases

have a say—

1. (also: have a voice) have the right or the opportunity to give one’s opinion:

  • People want to have a say in how the country should be governed.

2. give one’s opinion on a matter:

  • The 75-year-old Rossi announced he would be leaving … and he has had a say in who his successor will be.

have the say—have the power of deciding; have the final authority:

  • We keep giving recommendations but at the end of the day—who has the say? It’s the government.