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

What Does “Have got sth on sth” Mean?

“Have got sth on sth” means to have information, evidence, or control over something or someone. It often implies possession of proof or influence in a situation.

Introduction

The phrase “Have got sth on sth” is commonly used in English to express that someone possesses certain information, evidence, or control related to a particular subject or person. Understanding the “Have got sth on sth meaning” helps English learners grasp how to talk about having leverage or proof in various contexts. This phrase is useful in everyday conversations, especially when discussing secrets, evidence, or advantages someone holds. Knowing how to use it correctly will improve your communication skills and help you sound more natural in English.

Quick Info Box

• Phrasal verb: Have got something on something
• Type: Transitive
• Level: B2 (Upper-Intermediate)
• Short meaning: To have evidence, information, or control over someone or something

Structure (Grammar Rules)

“Have got sth on sth” is a transitive phrase where “sth” means “something.” The structure is usually:

• Subject + have/has got + something + on + something/someone

It is inseparable, meaning you cannot separate the verb and the preposition “on.” For example, you cannot say “have got on sth.”

How to Use “Have got sth on sth”?

This phrase is used when you want to express that you have information, proof, or influence related to a person or situation. It is often used in contexts involving secrets, evidence, or control. For example, “She has got something on him” suggests she knows something important about him that gives her power or influence.

Examples

Imagine two coworkers talking about their boss:

• “I think Jane has got something on the manager because he always listens to her requests.”
• “Do you have anything on the project deadlines?”
• “He’s got evidence on the company’s mistakes.”
• “They have got dirt on their competitor.”
• “She’s got a secret on her friend that no one else knows.”

These sentences show “Have got sth on sth in a sentence” to express possession of information or control.

Common Mistakes

Some learners confuse the order or misuse the phrase. Here are some examples:

• Incorrect: “I have got on something important.”
• Correct: “I have got something on something important.”
• Incorrect: “She has something got on him.”
• Correct: “She has got something on him.”

Remember, the phrase is inseparable and the object must come immediately after “have got.”

Differences / Synonyms

“Have got sth on sth” is similar to “have evidence against,” “have information on,” or “have leverage over.” However, “have got sth on sth” is more informal and often implies a secret or advantage.

For example, “He has evidence against her” is more formal, while “He has got something on her” suggests a secret that can be used as leverage.

Common Collocations

Common words used with “have got sth on sth” include:

• Evidence: Proof of something
• Information: Facts or data
• Dirt: Secret or damaging information
• Leverage: A way to influence
• Control: Power over something or someone

Related Phrasal Verbs

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

• Have Sb Up
• Have Sth On Sth
• Have Got Sth In
• Have Sb Back
• Have Sb Over

Real-life Dialogue

Here is a short conversation using the phrase:

Anna: Do you think Mark knows about the mistake?

Ben: I’m sure he does. Sarah has got something on him.

Anna: Really? That explains why he’s been so quiet lately.

Practice

Fill in the blanks with the correct phrase:

• She ________ ________ ________ the new policy changes before anyone else.
• They say he’s got ________ ________ the CEO that could change everything.
• I don’t think she has got anything ________ me.

FAQs

• Q: Can “have got sth on sth” be used in formal writing?
  A: It is more common in informal English but can be used in formal writing if the context suits.
• Q: Is “have got sth on someone” different from “have got sth on something”?
  A: No, both mean having information or control, just the object changes.
• Q: Can “have got sth on sth” mean physical possession?
  A: Usually, it refers to information or control, not physical objects.
• Q: What is the difference between “have got sth on sth” and “have sth on sth”?
  A: Both are similar, but “have got” is more informal and emphasizes possession.
• Q: Is “have got sth on sth” separable?
  A: No, the phrase is inseparable and must stay together.