have it


have it

1. To take or use something. If you like that shampoo, you can have it—it didn't do a thing for my hair.2. To know something. Sara says she has it on good authority that the boss will let us leave early today.3. To understand, comprehend, or grasp something. When I spell your name, please let me know if I have it right.4. To claim or maintain that something is the case. Rumor has it that Suzanne is getting the promotion, not George.5. To win a vote. The nays have it, so the construction plan will not proceed.See also: have

have it

1. Receive or learn something, as in I have it on the best authority that he's running again. [Late 1600s] 2. Possess a solution, understand, as in Is this the new phone number? Do I have it straight? or I think I have it now. [Mid-1800s] 3. Take it, as in There's some ice cream left; go ahead and have it. This usage is always put as an imperative. [Second half of 1300s] 4. Have the victory, win, as in We've counted the votes and the nays have it. The related expressions have it over someone or have it all over someone mean "to be superior to someone." For example, Jane has it all over Mary when it comes to reading aloud. [Early 1900s] 5. let someone have it. Give a beating, scolding, or punishment. For example, When she gets home Dad will let her have it. [Mid-1800s] 6. have it off. Have sexual intercourse, as in The two dogs were having it off in the backyard. [Colloquial; early 1900s] Also see the subsequent idioms beginning with have it; not have it. See also: have

ˈhave it (that...)

say that...; claim that...: Rumour has it that you’re going to retire. Is that true? ♢ She will have it that her brother is a better athlete than you, but I don’t believe her.See also: have

have it

1. To assert; maintain: Rumor has it that he quit.2. To think and act with respect to (something being considered): Have it your way.3. To gain a victory in a voice vote: The ayes have it.See also: have