be had
be had
To be deluded, tricked, swindled, or outsmarted. (Always used in the past tense.) I was had by that insurance salesmen. Now we're paying twice as much for a plan that doesn't cover anything more than our last plan! I think you were had, my friend. That car is a complete piece of junk. The master chess player was had in the end by the young prodigy.
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
been had
and was had; have been had1. (of a woman) been copulated with; been made pregnant. I've been had, and I'm going to have the baby. When she said she had been had, I didn't know it happened on her honeymoon.
2. been mistreated, cheated, or dealt with badly. Look at this cheap shirt that I paid $30 for! I was had! I've been had by that lousy gyp joint.
See also: been
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.
be had
1. Be outwitted; also, be cheated, deceived. For example, This lawyer is a real shyster; you've been had, or I've become very cautious about these schemes; it's too costly to be had more than once . This expression employs the verb to have in the sense of getting someone in one's power or at a disadvantage. [Slang; early 1800s]
2. Be bribed or influenced by dishonest means. For example, Our senator's incorruptible; he cannot be had. [Slang; early 1800s]
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer.
been had
and was had1. phr. been copulated with; been made pregnant. I’ve been had, and I’m going to have the baby. I was so had! Twins!
2. phr. been mistreated, cheated, or dealt with badly. (see also taken.) Look at this shirt! I was had!
See also: been
had
verbSee taken
was had
verbSee been had
McGraw-Hill's Dictionary of American Slang and Colloquial Expressions
- been had
- had
- was had
- have been had
- clipped
- never give a sucker an even break
- never give a sucker an even chance
- keep telling yourself that
- be sold a bill of goods
- nobody's fool