The goods on Meaning in English
expression
ˈðə/, /ðə/, /ði/ /ˈɡʊdz/ /ˈɑn/, /ˈɔn
thuh GOODZ on
ðə, ði/ /ɡˈʊdz/ /ˈɒn
thuh GUUDZ on
Definition
When you have 'the goods on' someone or something, you have secret or detailed information, often about something wrong or embarrassing.
Usage & Nuances
Very informal, often used regarding gossip, scandals, or exposing secrets. Usually heard as 'have the goods on someone.' Do not use in formal writing. Similar idea: 'have dirt on.'
Spanish: la información secreta - los datos ocultosPortuguese (BR): o segredo sobre - as informações confidenciais sobrePortuguese (PT): o segredo sobre - as informações confidenciais sobreChinese (Simplified): 内幕消息 - 内情Chinese (Traditional): 內幕消息 - 內情Hindi: छुपी जानकारी - असली जानकारीArabic: المعلومات السرية - التفاصيل الحقيقيةBengali: গোপন তথ্য - স্ক্যান্ডাল সংক্রান্ত তথ্যRussian: компромат - секретные сведенияJapanese: 秘密の情報 - スキャンダルのネタVietnamese: thông tin bí mật - bằng chứng bất lợiKorean: 비밀 정보 - 약점 정보Turkish: gizli bilgi - açığı (birinin)Urdu: راز کی معلومات - کسی پر کمزور پہلوIndonesian: informasi rahasia - aib seseorang
Example Sentences
I heard Jane has the goods on her boss.
basic
If you get the goods on Tom, let me know.
basic
Reporters are looking for the goods on the mayor.
basic
Don’t trust him—he’s got the goods on a lot of people in this office.
natural
Sarah always manages to find the goods on anyone she talks to.
natural
He tried to blackmail her, thinking he had the goods on her past.
natural