1. to have a sudden urgent need to go to the toilet.

You should go to the toilet before you leave. You don't want to be caught short on the journey.

2. to suddenly find you are not prepared for a situation, especially to be without money when you need it.

I'm caught short. Can you you lend me some money so I can pay for my lunch?

• have a hope in hell
• have a leg to stand on
• have a leg up on
• have a leg up on someone
• have a line on
• have a line on someone
• have a line on something
• have all marbles
• have all the aces
• have all the answers
• have all the cards
• have all the makings of
• have all the makings of something
• have all your marbles
• have a lot going for
• have a lot going for you
• have a lot irons in the fire
• have [a lot of/a few/several etc.] strings to bow
• have [a lot of/a few/several etc.] strings to your bow
• have a lot of strings to bow
• have a lot of strings to your bow
• have a lot of time for
• have a lot of time for someone
• have a lot of time for something
• have a lot on plate