The following idioms and expressions use the verb 'have'. Each idiom or expression has a definition and two example sentences to help understanding of these common idiomatic expressions with 'have'. Once you have studied these expressions, test your knowledge with quiz testing idioms and expressions with have.
have a big mouth
Definition: somebody who tells secrets, who is a gossip
Don't talk to Mary she has a big mouth.If you didn't have such a big mouth, I'd tell you my secrets.
have a bee in your bonnet
Definition: have an obsession, something that always remains in your thoughts and efforts
She has a bee in her bonnet that health care must change.If I have a bee in my bonnet, I have to do everything I can until I can make it happen.
have a bone to pick with someone
Definition: have something (usually a complaint) that you want to discuss with someone
I have a bone to pick with you.Just a moment, let's talk.Tom's looking for Pete because he's got a bone to pick with him.
have a brush with something
Definition: have brief contact, or experience with someone or something
I had a brief brush with Jack and I didn't like it.He's had a brief brush with unemployment.
have a chip on your shoulder Definition: be in a bad mood and challenging people to fight
Don't take him seriously, he just has a chip on his shoulder.Yes, I have a chip on my shoulder! What are YOU going to do about it?!
have a close call
Definition: be close to danger
I had a close call yesterday and was almost in an accident.She's had a few close calls in her life.
have a familiar ring
Definition: sound familiar, as if you've heard it before
That story has a familiar ring. Did we read that last year?Her experiences have a familiar ring. I guess everybody goes through that.
have a good head on your shoulders
Definition: have common sense, be sensible
Jack has a good head on his shoulders. Don't worry about him.I think you have a good head on your shoulders. You should trust your decision.
have a green thumb
Definition: be very good at gardening
Alice obviously has a green thumb. Look at that garden!My wife has a green thumb, so I let her do all the gardening.
have a heart
Definition: be compassionate or generous and forgiving with somebody
Don't hold that against her. Have a heart!I think he'll have a heart and forgive you.
have a heart of gold
Definition: be generous and sincere
Mary has a heart of gold. I just love her.The teacher has a heart of gold with her students.
have a heart of stone
Definition: be cold and unresponsive, unforgiving
Don't make him angry. He has a heart of stone.I can't believe how he treats his children. He's got a heart of stone.
have an ax to grind
Definition: complain about something often
He has an ax to grind against his health care provider.I know you have an ax to grind against Agatha, but stop complaining!
have an in with someone
Definition: have special access to someone (often used at work)
She has an in with the boss. Let her ask him for permission.I wish I had an in with the director so I could get a promotion.
have a one-track mind
Definition: always thinking about one thing
He has a one track mind. He can't talk about anything besides golf.Do you have a one-track mind?
have a soft spot in your heart for someone or something
Definition: love or adore a thing or person
I've got a soft spot in my heart for Maria Callas.He has a soft spot in his heart for pinball!
have a sweet tooth
Definition: like sweets too much
I know you have a sweet tooth, but you need to be careful.I need to watch my weight, especially because I have a sweet tooth.
have clean hands
Definition: to without guilt, guiltless
Don't blame him, he has clean hands.The man claimed to have clean hands in the crime.
have egg on one's face
Definition: be embarrassed after having done something very stupid
I had egg on my face after I asked that stupid question.I don't think he realizes he has egg on his face.