Have someone over a barrel
verb phrase
To have someone in a helpless position: Okay, you got me over a barrel/ It may look like you got me over a barrel now (1930s+)
verb phrase
To have someone at a disadvantage or in an awkward position
[1938+; apparently in allusion to the state of someone placed over a barrel to clear the lungs of water after being rescued from drowning]
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- Have something against
Be opposed to, especially for a particular reason. For example, Do you have something against this plan? or Annie must have something against Mary, because she’s always so surly when they’re together.
- Have something cinched
verb phrase (Variations: iced or knocked or made or taped or wired may replace cinched) To be entirely sure of a favorable outcome; be sure of success, well-being, etc: Then you see the helicopter and you know you’ve got it knocked/ A veteran bank shot artist who has the back boards at West 4th Street […]
- Have something coming
see: have it coming
- Have something down pat
verb phrase To know something or be able to do something perfectly; be perfect master of something: I had my story down pat, so I almost believed it myself ( first form 1896+, second 1915+)
- Have something going for someone
verb phrase To enjoy a certain advantage; have particular assets: You’ve got more going for you with NTS home training/ The best thing this mall has going for it is it’s just a test (1960s+)