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. No, I actually don't have anything on because most of my friends are out of town this weekend.

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. I hear the feds have several different charges on that guy, including money laundering, racketeering, and tax evasion. He's done.

2. To have a particular advantage over one. You may think you can beat me, but I've got 10 years' experience on you. A: "Yes, that candidate has something on you, all right—she's the CEO's niece." B: "Ugh. There's no way I'm getting this job, am I?" Sorry mate, but she only dates older guys, and I have a few years 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. A: "Do you happen to have anything for a headache on you?" B: "Hmm, I think I do have some acetaminophen in my purse."

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. Have you seen my mother? She has a blue dress on.

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. Wait, you can't sleep unless you have the TV on? Maybe we shouldn't room together!

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. If you don't have anything on this weekend, you're welcome to come over.

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. Wait, none of that is true? Ooh, Mum's gonna be mad that you had her 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. Oh, these are bogus charges. You don't have anything solid on my client, and you know it!

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. I hear the feds have several different charges on that guy, including money laundering, racketeering, and tax evasion. He's done. Please, you have my client on bogus charges, and you know it!

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. A: "Yes, that candidate has something on you, all right—she's the CEO's niece." B: "Ugh. There's no way I'm getting this job, am I?" Sorry mate, but she only dates older guys, and I have a few years 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." No one will listen to your podcast if you don't have interesting guests on.

See also: have, on

have on

1. have something on. See have nothing on, def. 3.

2. have someone on; put someone on. Deceive or fool someone, as in There was no answer when I called; someone must be having me on, or You can't mean you're taking up ballet-you're putting me on! [Colloquial; mid-1800s]

See also: have, on

have something on

see under have nothing on.

have on

1. To be wearing something: The dancers had on red shoes. The snowman had a scarf on.

2. To carry something on one's person: Do you have a toothpick on you?

3. To have something scheduled: We have a dinner party on for Friday. Do you have anything on for next weekend?

4. To possess information, usually damaging, about someone or something: Don't worry—the investigators have nothing on you. Anything they have on us won't hold up in court.

5. To tease or mislead by suggesting something is true: Did you really have dinner with the president, or are you just having me on?

See also: have, on

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