have a thing about (someone or something)

1. To have a certain preoccupation with someone or something. You better move your art supplies out of here—you know Mom has a thing about keeping the living room clean. Did he go wash his hands? Yeah, I'm not surprised—he has a thing about germs. You better not be late—the boss has a thing about starting meetings exactly on time.

2. To have a yearning or desire for someone or something. Oh, Phil has a thing about birthday cake, so he'll definitely take a slice. I'm not surprised you spent $100 in the bookstore. You've always had a thing about reading and learning everything you can. Drew has a thing about novelty and adventure, so I can't see him ever holding down a 9 to 5 job.

See also: have, thing

have a thing about someone or something

1. to have a special fear or dislike of someone or something. Kelly has a thing about Tim. She simply hates him. I have a thing about snakes.

2. to have a craving for someone or something. I have a thing about Maggie. I guess I'm in love. Elaine has a thing about strawberry ice cream. She can't get enough of it.

See also: have, thing

have a thing about

Be obsessed or preoccupied with something. For example, He has a thing about disorder in the garage, or Bob has a thing about brunettes. [Slang; first half of 1900s]

See also: have, thing

The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer. Copyright © 2003, 1997 by The Christine Ammer 1992 Trust. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

have a thing about

be obsessed with or prejudiced about. informal

See also: have, thing

have a ˈthing about somebody/something

(informal) have very strong feelings, either positive or negative, about somebody/something: I think she’s got a thing about David. She keeps looking at him. ♢ I’ve got a thing about smoking, and I don’t allow anybody to smoke in my house.

See also: have, somebody, something, thing

See also: