to do something that is likely to influence someone's attitudes or behavior.

The arrests of several well-known people in the area sends a message that no one is immune from the law, not even the famous.

The fact that nothing is done to help the homeless sends a message that we don't care.

Usage notes: said about actions whether they are intentional or not

• have work cut out for you
• have your back against the wall
• have your back to the wall
• have your beady eye on
• have your beady eye on someone
• have your beady eye on something
• have your cake and eat it
• have your cake and eat it too
• have your day in court
• have your ducks in a row
• have your ear to the ground
• have your end away
• have your eye on
• have your eye on someone
• have your eye on something
• have your feet on the ground
• have your finger on the button
• have your finger on the pulse
• have your fingers in the till
• have your guts for garters
• have your hand in the till
• have your hands full
• have your head in the clouds
• have your head screwed on
• have your head screwed on right