have something on
Related to have something on: have something on the brain, have something on someone
have (something) on
To be busy or engaged with something; to have plans to do something at a particular point in time. Bob: "Do you want to come around on Sunday to watch the big game?" Janet: "Sorry, Bob, I've got something on that evening." I've got a few things on at the moment, but business has been pretty slow overall.
See also: have, on
have (something) on (one)
1. To have incriminating or unfavorable proof against one, as for some crime, wrongdoing, or misbehavior. Go to the police, for all I care! You don't have anything on me! If we want to nail him for fraud, we'll need to have more on him than a few questionable phone calls.
2. To have a particular advantage over one. You may think you can beat me, but I've got 10 years' experience on you.
3. To currently be in possession of something. Hey, do you have a pen on you? I need to write this down. Yeah, I have a tissue on me.
See also: have, on
have on
1. To wear an article of clothing. A noun or pronoun can be used between "have" and "on." I wish I had my coat on. It's freezing out here! She had on an elegant black dress.
2. To turn some appliance or electronic device on. A noun or pronoun can be used between "have" and "on." Often used in past tense constructions. No wonder the batteries in the radio are dead—you had it on all night! I don't know how you can stay focused when you have on so many different devices at the same time.
3. To have some activity or task scheduled. A noun or pronoun is used between "have" and "on." You have three meetings on in the morning, boss, then one more after lunch. Sorry, I have too much on today to help you with your project.
4. To prank, trick, or deceive one. Often used sarcastically to indicate indignation or incredulity. A noun or pronoun is used between "have" and "on." Usually used in the continuous tense. Primarily heard in UK. £200 for a tee shirt? Are you having me on? Oh, don't get so upset. We were only having you on.
5. To have incriminating or unfavorable proof against someone, as for some crime, wrongdoing, or misbehavior. A noun or pronoun is used between "have" and "on." Fine, go to the police, for all I care! You don't have anything on me! If we want to nail him for fraud, we'll need to have more on him than a few questionable phone calls.
6. To be able to arrest and convict someone for some crime. A noun or pronoun is used between "have" and "on." Police had the accountant on several different charges, including money laundering, racketeering, and tax evasion.
7. To have a particular advantage over someone. A noun or pronoun is used between "have" and "on." You may think you can beat me, but I have 10 years' experience on you.
8. To invite someone to be a guest on a program for radio, television, etc. A noun or pronoun can be used between "have" and "on." We've had on a lot of great guests over the years, but this next one might be my most eagerly anticipated. A: "Thanks for joining us today to discuss your new book." B: "Sure thing, thanks for having me on."
See also: have, on
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
have something on
see under have nothing on.
See also: have, on, something
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer.
- a/the feel of (something)
- (I) wouldn't (do something) if I were you
- a straw will show which way the wind blows
- a crack at (someone or something)
- all right
- (you) wanna make something of it?
- all for the best
- a thing of the past
- a slew of (something)
- a bird in the hand