Can 'have got sth on sb' be used in positive situations?

Usually, it refers to negative or controlling information, so it is rarely used positively.

Is 'have something on someone' the same as 'have got something on someone'?

Yes, both mean the same, but 'have got' is more informal.

Can we use this phrase in formal writing?

It is more common in informal or conversational English, but can appear in journalistic writing.

What does 'sth' mean in this phrase?

'Sth' is an abbreviation for 'something.'

Is this phrase common in British or American English?

It is commonly used in both varieties of English.

Have got sth on sb Meaning, Examples & How to Use

What Does “Have got sth on sb” Mean?

“Have got sth on sb” means to have information, evidence, or something that can be used against someone, often to control or influence them.

Introduction

The phrase “have got sth on sb” is a common English expression used when someone possesses information or proof that can affect another person negatively. This “something” (abbreviated as “sth”) can be a secret, a mistake, or any fact that might give the holder power over the other individual. Understanding the “have got sth on sb meaning” is important for learners because it appears often in conversations, movies, and books. It often implies a situation where one person can threaten or persuade another by revealing that information. This phrase is especially useful in discussions about trust, secrets, and relationships.

Quick Info Box

Phrasal verb: Have got something on somebody
Type: Transitive
Level: B2 (Upper-Intermediate)
Short meaning: To have damaging or controlling information about someone

Structure (Grammar Rules)

The phrasal verb “have got sth on sb” is separable. You can place the object (“something”) either before or after “on somebody.”

Pattern 1: have got + something + on + somebody (e.g., I have got dirt on him.)
Pattern 2: have got + on + somebody + something (less common and informal, e.g., I have got on him some proof.)

Usually, the first pattern is preferred. “Have got” is often shortened to “got” in informal speech (e.g., I’ve got something on you).

How to Use “Have got sth on sb”?

You use this phrase when you want to say that you possess some secret or evidence that can embarrass or threaten someone. It often implies leverage in a personal or professional context. The phrase is commonly used in both spoken and written English, especially in contexts involving secrets, scandals, or blackmail.

Example: “The journalist has got something on the politician that could ruin his career.”

Examples

Imagine a scenario where a friend knows a secret about another friend.

She has got something on him that nobody else knows.
They say the boss has got something on the employees to keep them quiet.
I’ve got dirt on my opponent that could change the election.
He’s worried because she has got something on him from their past.
They’ve got evidence on the suspect that will help solve the case.

These examples show how “have got sth on sb” is used in real sentences.

Common Mistakes

Sometimes learners confuse this phrase with “have something for someone,” which means to have a gift or favor for someone, or “have something from someone,” which means possession received. Incorrect usage often occurs when people omit “on.”

Incorrect: I have got something him.
Correct: I have got something on him.
Incorrect: She has got on him the secret.
Correct: She has got something on him.

Differences / Synonyms

Similar phrases include “have dirt on someone” and “hold something over someone.”

Have dirt on someone: Usually means having negative or embarrassing information.
Hold something over someone: Implies using information to control or pressure someone.

While all mean having leverage, “have got sth on sb” is more general and neutral, not always negative. In contrast, “have dirt on someone” usually has a stronger negative connotation.

Common Collocations

This phrase is often used with certain objects that describe the type of information or proof.

Something – general information or evidence
Dirt – negative or embarrassing facts
Evidence – proof in legal or formal situations
Secrets – private or hidden information
Proof – facts that confirm something

Related Phrasal Verbs

Here are related phrasal verbs of have got sth on sb:

Real-life Dialogue

Here is a short conversation using the phrase:

Anna: I think Mark is acting strange lately.

John: Maybe he has got something on the boss.

Anna: You mean some secret? That would explain a lot.

John: Yes, I heard he knows about some mistakes from last year.

Practice

Try to complete the sentence below with the correct phrase:

She __________ something ________ her colleague that could cause trouble.

a) has got on
b) has got at
c) has got for

Answer: a) has got on

FAQs

Q: Can “have got sth on sb” be used in positive situations?
A: Usually, it refers to negative or controlling information, so it is rarely used positively.
Q: Is “have something on someone” the same as “have got something on someone”?
A: Yes, both mean the same, but “have got” is more informal.
Q: Can we use this phrase in formal writing?
A: It is more common in informal or conversational English, but can appear in journalistic writing.
Q: What does “sth” mean in this phrase?
A: “Sth” is an abbreviation for “something.”
Q: Is this phrase common in British or American English?
A: It is commonly used in both varieties of English.