Have sth on sb Meaning, Examples & How to Use It Correctly

What Does “Have sth on sb” Mean?

“Have sth on sb” means to have information or evidence about someone, often something secret or important. It can also mean to have control or influence over someone because of that information.

Introduction

The phrase “Have sth on sb” is a common English expression used to describe situations where one person possesses information about another. This information might be private, embarrassing, or useful for gaining an advantage. Understanding the “Have sth on sb meaning” helps learners use this phrase naturally in conversations. It is often used in informal contexts, especially when talking about secrets or evidence that someone might want to keep hidden. Knowing how to use this phrase correctly can improve your communication skills and help you understand English speakers better.

Quick Info Box

• Phrasal verb: Have something on somebody
• Type: Transitive
• Level: B2
• Short meaning: To have secret or important information about someone

Structure (Grammar Rules)

The phrasal verb “have sth on sb” is separable. You can place the object either before or after the preposition “on”.

• Have + something + on + somebody
• Have + somebody + on + something (less common and usually incorrect)

Correct pattern example: “She has information on him.”

Incorrect: “She has him on information.”

How to Use “Have sth on sb”?

This phrase is used when someone holds information that can influence or control another person. It often appears in contexts involving secrets, blackmail, or personal details.

Use “have sth on sb” to talk about evidence, secrets, or facts that someone might want to keep hidden. It can be used in both serious and casual conversations.

Examples

Here are some examples to help you understand how to use “Have sth on sb in a sentence”:

• He has something on his colleague, so he always gets his way.
• The police have evidence on the suspect that proves his guilt.
• She said she has dirt on him, but she didn’t explain what it was.
• Do you think they have anything on the new manager?
• He’s worried because someone might have something on him from his past.

Common Mistakes

Many learners confuse the word order or use the phrase incorrectly. Here are some examples:

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

Remember, the object (something) should come immediately after “have” and before “on”.

Differences / Synonyms

“Have sth on sb” is similar to phrases like “have dirt on someone” or “have leverage over someone,” but each has subtle differences.

• Have dirt on someone: Usually means knowing embarrassing or damaging secrets.
• Have leverage over someone: Means having power or influence, often through information.
• Have sth on sb: More general; can mean any secret or evidence, not always negative.

Use “have sth on sb” when you want a neutral or broad expression about having information on someone.

Common Collocations

Some common words used with “have sth on sb” include:

• Evidence: Proof or information that supports a claim
• Information: Details or facts about someone
• Dirt: Secret or damaging information
• Leverage: Power or advantage gained through information
• Blackmail: Threatening someone with revealing information

Related Phrasal Verbs

Here are related phrasal verbs of have sth on sb:

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

Real-life Dialogue

Here is a short conversation using “have sth on sb”:

Anna: I heard Tom is acting weird lately.

Ben: Yeah, I think Sarah has something on him.

Anna: Really? Like what?

Ben: Not sure, but she’s been very secretive about it.

Practice

Fill in the blanks with the correct form of “have sth on sb”:

• She ________ some important information ________ her boss.
• The detective thinks they ________ evidence ________ the suspect.
• Do you believe anyone ________ dirt ________ the politician?

FAQs

• Q: Can “have sth on sb” be used in formal writing?

  A: It is mostly informal but can be used in semi-formal contexts.
• Q: What does “sth” mean in “have sth on sb”?

  A: “Sth” is short for “something.”

• Q: Is “have sth on sb” always negative?

  A: Not always; it depends on the context but often implies secret or sensitive information.

• Q: Can I say “have someone on something”?

  A: No, that is incorrect. The correct order is “have something on someone.”
• Q: Can “have sth on sb” refer to physical objects?

  A: No, it refers to information or evidence about someone.