have it

Idioms  

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 .

---

Example Sentences

To fall, to struggle, to suffer, to lose the mojo, and have it all questioned?

From The Wall Street Journal

“Of course that’s ridiculous. To the best of my knowledge, his actual adoption was a very routine matter. But there were various government agencies involved . . . beforehand . . . and some of us do require a certain level of secrecy, just by the very nature of our work. So, there you have it. Really, you should never have been given my name.”

From Literature

“But a picture can’t really see, so I want you to have it.”

From Literature

“When you’re going to need the army of foot soldiers, you’re not going to have it,” he said.

From The Wall Street Journal

And to actually have it not be him is confusing, and it was very fun to play.

From Los Angeles Times