have something in stock—(of merchandise) be available immediately for sale or distribution: We do not have a shirt of this size in stock now, but we can order it for you. have something in store— 1. have smth. in reserve in case of need: After the hardships of the previous winter, you now have plenty […]
Category: Confusing Phrases
Difference between Have something in one’s sights and Set one’s sights on something
have something in one’s sights— 1. (of a hunter, etc.) take aim at smth.: I had the deer in my sights, but it moved before I could fire. 2. (of celestial objects) observe through the telescope: I tried the Crab nebula first and soon had it in my sights. 3. regard smth. as a prospective […]
Difference between Have something in one’s hands and Have something on one’s hands
have something in one’s hands— 1. be in possession of smth.; have smth. in reserve: After paying the debt in full, with the accumulated interest, he still had in his hands about $1,000. 2. have complete control of smth.: I thought long and hard about how I could introduce you to the teachers who had […]
Difference between Have something in one’s brain and Have something on the brain
have something in one’s brain—(also: keep something in one’s brain) retain smth. in one’s memory: I had the great benefit of having had them [script lines] in my brain for a few years. have something on the brain—(sl.) be obsessed with an idea, etc.: He blames everything that goes wrong on the taxes. He’s got […]
Difference between Have something handed on a plate and Have something on one’s plate
have something handed on a plate—achieve or get smth. with too little effort: Car factories of Japan will have a new market handed to them on a plate. Note: The expression does not correlate in meaning with the phrase have one’s lunch handed to one—be outperformed and shown up by smb. better: Certainly to have […]
Difference between Have something going for one and Have something going with someone
have something going for one—(coll.) have ability, talent, good looks, etc. that help one to be successful: Bowser definitely has something going for him, and it’s a something that seems to appeal to many. Note: The expression does not correlate in meaning with the phrase have it coming to one—used of smb. about to suffer […]
Difference between Have someone’s number and Have someone’s number on it
have someone’s number—(coll.) know smb.’s real motives or intentions when dealing with that person: “I think I’ve got your number, Mr. Omnipotent Superbeing,” she said gently, “You don’t fool me for a minute.” have someone’s number on it—(of a bomb, bullet, etc.) be intended by fate for a particular person (also: have someone’s name on […]
Difference between Have someone on a string and Have someone on the line
have someone on a string—have a person under one’s full control: He was like a little puppy dog, and she had him on a string; he was putty in her hands. have someone on the line—have a person on the phone: I have called at all hours and almost always have someone on the line […]
Difference between Have someone in and Have someone on
have someone in— 1. invite a person into one’s home: We had some friends in on Saturday night to watch the rugby and stay for dinner. 2. arrange for builders, decorators, etc. to come into one’s home to do some work: We had some problem in the bathroom and we had a plumber in to […]
Difference between Have someone do something and Have someone doing something
have someone do something— 1. (also: get someone to do something) cause a person to do smth.: Stupid me, I did not have him sign any type of contract or promise to pay letter. 2. experience or suffer smth. done by another person: We had a beggar come up to us and there was a […]
Difference between Have someone at one’s command and Have someone under one’s command
have someone at one’s command—have people who are ready to obey one’s orders: The king had now at his command a body of Janissaries ready to carry out his personal will. have someone under one’s command—command people under the authority conferred by official position: Kluge now had under his command all the German armies in […]
Difference between Have seen better days and Have seen its day
have seen better days—showing signs of wear; be no longer in such a good condition as it used to be: When Lori and Kit visit Aldercot Hall, they find a dark, dreary mansion that has evidently seen better days. have seen its day—be no longer effective; outlive its usefulness: These events led many to conclude […]