have nothing on
Idioms-
Also, not have anything on.
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Have no advantage over something or someone, as in This car has nothing on my old one . [c. 1900]
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Have no damaging information or proof of wrongdoing about someone, as in The police had nothing on him and so were forced to let him go . This usage is the antonym of have something on someone , as in Blackmail requires that you have something on someone wealthy . [c. 1920]
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Have nothing scheduled for a certain time, as in We have nothing on tonight, so why don't you come over? This expression, and its antonym, have something on , are abbreviations of have nothing (or something ) going on .
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Be naked, as in Please bring in the mail; I just took a bath and don't have anything on .
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
My main problem with your plan is that you have nothing on paper.
From MarketWatch • May 16, 2026
When it comes to the price of beef, the early ’70s have nothing on today.
From Seattle Times • Dec. 25, 2023
But those digitally rendered spooks have nothing on scenes where the carefree bloggers gossip about employment turnover over drinks.
From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 13, 2023
“I have nothing on me!” he yells, and other voices chorus after: “He has nothing on him!”
From New York Times • Mar. 8, 2023
“I have nothing on my agenda,” Rick offered.
From "Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?" by Philip K. Dick
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
