been

a has-been

someone who was popular and famous in the past but is now forgotten. I forget who the third guest was - some old has-been whose name I didn't even know.

have been around (a bit) (informal)

if someone has been around, they have had a lot of experience of life and know a lot of things. She's been around a bit - she should know how to look after herself.

See also: around

have been in the wars (British & Australian, humorous)

someone, especially a child, who has been in the wars, has been hurt. You poor little boy, you have been in the wars!

See also: war

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been around (the block)

had experience. I know because I've worked in lots of programs and I've been around. He's a former cop who's been around the block and knows what it's all about.

See also: around

been had

to have been deceived. If you paid much for this radio, you've been had, pal!

See also: had

been there, done that

I have experienced that before. If your attitude toward Las Vegas is been there, done that, perhaps it's time to try a different vacation spot.

Usage notes: sometimes used in the form been there, done that, got the T-shirt: Our manager promises things will change, but a lot of us have been there, done that, got the T-shirt, so we don't plan to stick around.

See also: done, that