not/never have a good word to say for/about somebody/something

never have a good word to say about (someone of something)

To always say negative, hurtful, or critical things about someone or something; to never or rarely say something positive or encouraging about someone or something. No wonder the kid's self esteem is so low—his parents never have a good word to say about him. I don't understand why she stays in the same job if she never has a good word to say about it.See also: good, have, never, of, say, word

not/never have a good word to ˈsay for/about somebody/something

(informal) not/never have anything positive to say about somebody/something: She rarely has a good word to say about her neighbours. ♢ Nobody has a good word to say for the new computer system. OPPOSITE: praise somebody/something to the skiesSee also: good, have, never, not, say, somebody, something, word