have some explaining to do

USAGE SUMMARY

"have some explaining to do" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when someone has done something wrong or unexpected and needs to explain this to someone else. For example: "He cheated on the exam and now he has some explaining to do."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Villa have some explaining to do, however.

Independent

But first they have some explaining to do.

The Economist

America's auditors therefore have some explaining to do.

The Economist

"I have some explaining to do at home about this".

The New York Times

Which means you will probably have some explaining to do.

The Guardian

It seems like you'd have some explaining to do.

The New Yorker

But Disney may have some explaining to do as the college tour rolls on.

The New York Times

Mr Greenspan may have some explaining to do in December 2001.

The Economist

I'm going to have some explaining to do to my children.

The New York Times

"We have some explaining to do and a lot of modeling to do," he said.

The New York Times

"Well, it seems like to me they might have some explaining to do.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "have some explaining to do" when someone's actions are questionable or require justification. It's suitable for conveying mild disapproval or anticipation of a needed explanation.

Common error

Avoid using "have some explaining to do" in situations that don't involve potential wrongdoing or require a justification. The phrase carries an implication of needing to account for something questionable.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "have some explaining to do" functions as an idiomatic expression indicating that someone needs to provide a justification or account for their actions. As supported by Ludwig and the examples, it implies a need to clarify questionable behavior.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "have some explaining to do" is a common and correct idiomatic expression used when someone needs to justify or clarify their actions, typically because of perceived wrongdoing or unexpected behavior. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and widespread usage, particularly in news and media. While generally neutral in tone, it's crucial to use the phrase in contexts where justification is genuinely needed, avoiding misuse in neutral scenarios. Related phrases like "owe an explanation" offer similar meanings, and understanding these nuances helps ensure effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

owe an explanation

Emphasizes the obligation to provide an explanation to someone.

will need to clarify

Highlights the need to make something clearer and easier to understand.

must provide clarification

Highlights the importance of making things clearer to avoid misunderstandings.

need to account for

This phrase focuses on the necessity of providing a detailed report or justification.

have to give reasons for

Focuses on the act of providing justifications or reasons.

must justify their actions

Highlights the requirement to provide a valid reason for one's actions.

will be held accountable

Focuses on the responsibility to answer for one's actions and potentially face consequences.

are answerable for

Indicates accountability and the need to respond to questions or criticisms.

are in the hot seat

Implies being in a difficult position where one must answer tough questions.

face scrutiny

Suggests being subject to close examination and questioning.

FAQs

When is it appropriate to use "have some explaining to do"?

Use "have some explaining to do" when someone's actions are questionable, unexpected, or require justification. It implies a need to provide reasons or account for something.

What are some alternatives to "have some explaining to do"?

You can use alternatives like "owe an explanation", "need to account for", or "must justify their actions" depending on the specific context.

Does "have some explaining to do" imply wrongdoing?

Yes, the phrase generally suggests that someone needs to provide a justification or account for actions that might be perceived as incorrect, questionable, or unexpected.

How formal is the phrase "have some explaining to do"?

The phrase is generally considered neutral in formality and is suitable for use in most conversations, writing, and media contexts. However, in more formal contexts, consider using alternatives like "must provide clarification" or "will be held accountable".