give (one) (something) on (someone or something)

give (one) (something) on (someone or something)

To provide one with incriminating or unfavorable evidence against someone or some organization. The word "something" is often kept in this usage to indicate evidence that is unknown or unspecified. You'll have to give us something substantial on the boss of your gang if you want to get any leniency from the district attorney. They want me to give them information on the mob's financial setup in exchange for an early parole. A: "I'm sorry, but I'm not privy to those meetings." B: "So you can't give us anything on the CEO that corroborates these claims?"

See also: give, on

give on

To act as though something false is true, typically to dupe someone else. He gave on that he was a clueless new employee in order to gain access to the computer system. A: "No one will assign you these boring tasks if you give on that you're clueless about them." B: "You're brilliant! Is this why you never have to do data entry?" If you get stuck on the phone with a real big talker, just give on that you're listening and keep working on this data entry project.

See also: give, on

Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.

give on

v.

To pretend something in order to deceive another: The con artist gave on that he was a car salesman, although in fact he knew very little about cars.

See also: give, on

The American Heritage® Dictionary of Phrasal Verbs. Copyright © 2005 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.