have nothing on

Idioms  

1. Also, not have anything on.

2. Have no advantage over something or someone, as in This car has nothing on my old one . [c. 1900]

3. 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]

4. 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 .

5. Be naked, as in Please bring in the mail; I just took a bath and don't have anything on .

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Example Sentences

After all, journalists may be jaded—but at least in Avlon’s estimation, they have nothing on political consultants.

From Slate

When it comes to the price of beef, the early ’70s have nothing on today.

From Seattle Times

But those digitally rendered spooks have nothing on scenes where the carefree bloggers gossip about employment turnover over drinks.

From Los Angeles Times

“I have nothing on me!” he yells, and other voices chorus after: “He has nothing on him!”

From New York Times

You begin to perceive I am filled with contradictions, but in this I have nothing on T. E. Lawrence, the central protagonist of this story, who was known everything from lieutenant to colonel in the British army of World War I and to his Arab friends, of whom there were many, as “El Aurens.”

From Los Angeles Times