have nothing to say—
1. have nothing to speak about:
- The two remained for a while in their places: Caswall because he had nothing to say, Mimi because she had much to say and wished to put her thoughts in order.
2. be unable to justify or explain one’s conduct; say nothing in one’s own defense:
- When I came across pages and pages of porn files I confronted him and cried but he had nothing to say.
have nothing to say for oneself—
1. be unwilling to express one’s opinions; be habitually silent:
- As for that man … he really annoys me, he’s so dull and has nothing to say for himself, not bad looking, though, is he!
2. = have nothing to say 2:
- McNabb has nothing to say for himself, instead going on the offensive—as all people do when another person’s comments strike them where it counts and they know they have no better response.