be had

Idioms  

1. Be outwitted; also, be cheated, deceived. For example, This lawyer is a real shyster; you've been had , or I've become very cautious about these schemes; it's too costly to be had more than once . This expression employs the verb to have in the sense of getting someone in one's power or at a disadvantage. [ Slang ; early 1800s]

2. Be bribed or influenced by dishonest means. For example, Our senator's incorruptible; he cannot be had . [ Slang ; early 1800s]

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Example Sentences

Travel blogger Em says there's value to be had in Montenegro.

From BBC • Apr. 18, 2026

Saying too much more would spoil all of the fun to be had, but the banana is only the beginning.

From Salon • Apr. 5, 2026

Investors are finding deals to be had that include trophy properties such as San Francisco’s Transamerica Pyramid, a 48-story tower that has served as a symbol of the city since its completion in the 1970s.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 3, 2026

Fortunately, there’s still fun to be had for procrastinators, whether on an eclipse-themed Mallorca beach break, last-minute soccer viewing party or on D.C. rooftops as the sky lights up with fireworks.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 27, 2026

I’d come back to the city after curfew before, once or twice, when there was a better price to be had for Mrs. Diamant’s goods in the villages than the city shops.

From "The Light in Hidden Places" by Sharon Cameron