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
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

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 skies
See also: good, have, never, not, say, somebody, something, word
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
See also:
  • never have a good word to say about (someone of something)
  • never have a good word to say for (someone of something)
  • not have a good word to say about (someone of something)
  • not have a good word to say for (someone of something)
  • say (something) for (someone or something)
  • say for
  • open (one's) big mouth
  • hint at
  • hint at (something)
  • hold one's tongue