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have on

B1 informal separable transitive
In simple words

To be wearing something, or to have something planned, or to trick someone into believing something false.

Literal meaning: To have something placed 'on' the body.

Meanings

1 A2 informal

To be wearing a piece of clothing or accessory.

"She had on a bright red coat that made her easy to spot in the crowd."

Grammar: separable
2 B1 idiomatic informal

(British) To have a scheduled commitment, appointment, or plan.

"I can't meet you on Thursday — I've got a lot on this week."

Grammar: inseparable
3 B2 idiomatic slang

(British slang) To trick or tease someone into believing something that is not true.

"'They're giving everyone a day off tomorrow.' 'You're having me on — that never happens!'"

Grammar: separable
4 B2 idiomatic informal

To have incriminating information or evidence against someone.

"The detective admitted they didn't have enough on the suspect to make an arrest."

Grammar: separable
Usage notes

Multiple distinct senses. The 'wearing' sense is very common and informal. The 'commitments' sense ('I have a lot on this week') is chiefly British. The 'teasing/tricking' sense ('Are you having me on?') is British slang.

Commonly used with

clothes jacket nothing much something plans

Forms

Base
have on
I/you/we/they
3rd person
has on
he/she/it
Past simple
had on
yesterday
Past participle
had on
have + pp
-ing form
having on
continuous

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