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 .

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

have it

"So they're going to be sending it, and they'll have it be maxed out. It'll take about a month."

From Barron's ● Jul. 20, 2026

So to have it upended again so soon was a bitter blow.

From BBC ● Jul. 19, 2026

Jill Doyle, United’s managing director of MileagePlus, explained the new policy: “Getting customers to want to have the card, have it top of wallet and continue to engage with us, is the primary purpose.”

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 17, 2026

We now have it with a spectacular new sound system along with the old caveat: Beware of what you wish for.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 16, 2026

Now she would have it delivered to the general’s house by midnight, as promised.

From "The Long-Lost Home" by Maryrose Wood