'reason' with 'a' or without it?

Question

Hey there,Here's a quotation from Mark Twain"Man is the only animal that blushes - or has reason to"Why isn't there a reason ?Thanks, best wishes

Cool Breeze · Accepted Answer

Idiomatic usage. Also without an article: and with good reason.
CB

Anglista2008 · Answer

then... would it be 100% OK to say or has a reason... ?

what does it actually mean... this "idiomatic usage" ?

CalifJim · Answer

anglista2008Man is the only animal that blushes - or has reason to"

Why isn't it ~~there~~ a reason ?

to have reason to do something is show rationality in doing it, to be justified in doing it. It's not the same as having a reason -- a purpose.
The meaning is that people blush out of embarrassment or shame because they do so many embarrassing and shameful things that justify this reaction.
It almost says that people have the ability to blush out of shame, and they should blush considering how shameful their actions are.
CJ

'reason' with 'a' or without it?

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