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have designs on

Idioms

Contrive a secret plot or scheme, especially with selfish motives. For example, I think he has designs on my job, or Mary has designs on her sister's boyfriend. This term uses design in the sense of “a crafty plan,” a usage dating from about 1700.

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.

The Chargers still have designs on overtaking Denver and winning the division.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 18, 2025

Even in this up and down season, the province will have designs on winning this trophy but it's a tough assignment first up with an away day in France.

From BBC • Apr. 6, 2024

They’re headed to the Big Ten next year, but before they do, they have designs on flying to Las Vegas in December for the Pac-12 title game.

From Seattle Times • Oct. 20, 2023

The Dodgers, notably, pulled Clayton Kershaw after seven perfect innings because the veteran left-hander had thrown 80 pitches on a cold afternoon in Minnesota and they have designs on a deep postseason run.

From New York Times • May 15, 2022

He peppered Lawrence with pointed gossip about rival institutions that might have designs on him.

From "Big Science" by Michael Hiltzik

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023