Have nothing on Meaning in English

expression

US

ˈhæv/ /ˈnəθɪŋ/ /ˈɑn/, /ˈɔn

HAV NUTH-ing ON

UK

hæv/ /nˈʌθɪŋ/ /ˈɒn

hav NUTH-ing ON

Definition

'Have nothing on' is an expression with two main meanings: (1) to be wearing no clothes, or (2) to be inferior to someone or something, meaning the other is better in some way.

Usage & Nuances

The first meaning is literal (no clothes) and informal, sometimes used humorously or to talk about nudity. The second meaning ('inferior to') is usually comparative and is common in phrases like 'She has nothing on him in chess.' Context determines meaning. Avoid in very formal writing.

• Spanish: no tener nada que envidiar a - no tener nada encima (ropa)
• Portuguese (BR): não ter nada em cima (roupa) - não ter nada comparado a
• Portuguese (PT): não ter nada em cima (roupa) - não ter nada comparado a
• Chinese (Simplified): 无法与...相比 - 身上什么也没穿
• Chinese (Traditional): 無法與...相比 - 身上什麼也沒穿
• Hindi: के पास कुछ नहीं है (मुकाबले में) - बिना कुछ पहना है
• Arabic: لا يضاهي شيئًا - لا يرتدي شيئًا
• Bengali: গায়ে কিছু নেই - টেক্কা দিতে পারে না
• Russian: на нём ничего нет - не сравнится с
• Japanese: 何も身に着けていない - かなわない
• Vietnamese: không mặc gì - không sánh bằng
• Korean: 아무것도 안 입다 - (누구/무엇)에 비해 한참 못하다
• Turkish: üzerinde hiçbir şey yok - eline su dökemez
• Urdu: کپڑے نہیں پہنے - مقابل نہیں
• Indonesian: tidak memakai apa-apa - tidak ada apa-apanya dibanding

Example Sentences

The baby has nothing on.

basic

This phone has nothing on the new model.

basic

He has nothing on his feet.

basic

Honestly, last year's movie has nothing on this one—it's so much better!

natural

She walked into the room and realized she had nothing on!

natural

Honestly, that restaurant has nothing on my mom's cooking.

natural