have someone’s number: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘have someone's number’ mean?
The idiom "have someone's number" means to understand someone's true nature or intentions, often implying that you can see through their facade or deception.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "know the score" means to understand and be aware of the situation or the facts.
When someone says they "know someone," it means they are acquainted or familiar with that person. It implies a level of personal connection or understanding between the two individuals.
The idiom "in someone's shoes" means to imagine oneself in someone else's position or to try to understand their thoughts, feelings, or experiences from their perspective.
The idiom "in someone's pocket" means to be under someone's control or influence.
The idiom "in someone's face" means to confront or challenge someone in a direct and aggressive manner, often done to assert dominance or to express anger or frustration.
The idiom "have the law of someone" means to have legal or authoritative power over someone, often used to refer to a situation where someone is subject to the rules, regulations, or authority of another person or entity.
The idiom "have someone's hide" means to punish or criticize someone severely. It expresses the idea of figuratively taking away or damaging someone's skin, as a form of retribution or discipline.
The idiom "have someone's guts for garters" means to be extremely angry with someone and to be prepared to punish or harm them severely.
The idiom "have someone's guts for garters" is a colorful and vivid expression primarily used in British English. It indicates a strong desire to harm or punish someone. The phrase has a long history, dating back to as early as the 17th century.
The idiom "have someone's back" means to be supportive or protective of someone. It implies being there for someone in times of need or difficulty.
The idiom "have one's way with" means to have complete control or dominance over someone or something, often in a manipulative or overpowering manner.
Cracking the Code
The idiom "have someone's number" is a commonly used phrase in English, with a specific meaning that may vary based on the context. While its origins are unclear, it is believed to have originated in the United States and became popular in the mid-20th century.
When someone says they "have someone's number," they are typically implying that they have figured out the true nature or intentions of that person. In other words, they have a clear understanding of their motives, character, or personality, often in a negative or critical way. This idiom suggests that the speaker sees through someone's facade or deceptive behavior, revealing their true self.
It is important to note that "have someone's number" is a figurative expression and does not actually refer to a person's phone number. Instead, it metaphorically expresses one's insight or understanding of someone's true nature or intentions. It can be used in personal relationships, business interactions, or even when discussing public figures.
This idiom is commonly used in conversation and informal writing, allowing individuals to convey their understanding or insight into someone's true motives or character. It can also serve as a warning or caution to others about a particular individual, suggesting that they should be skeptical or wary of their actions or words.
The idiom "call someone's number" is closely related to "have someone's number." When someone says they are "calling someone's number," they are essentially challenging or confronting that person about their true nature or intentions. It implies that the speaker is not fooled by the person's facade and is willing to expose their true self.
"have one's number on it" is another related idiom. When something "has one's number on it," it means that the person in question is the target or focus of a particular situation, often with negative connotations. It implies that someone has been singled out or is being held accountable for their actions or behavior.
Similarly, "have someone's hide" is a related idiom that conveys the idea of wanting to punish or defeat someone. When someone says they "have someone's hide," they are implying that they intend to expose or defeat that person, often in a competitive or confrontational setting.
The idiom "have someone's number" is a widely recognized phrase in the English language, used to convey the idea of understanding or figuring out someone's true nature or intentions. Its origins may be shrouded in mystery, but its usage and meaning remain consistent. Whether used in personal relationships, business interactions, or other contexts, this idiom serves the purpose of revealing one's insight into someone's motivations and character, leaving room for further exploration and interpretation in the vast realm of idiomatic expressions.
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom "have someone's number" can be used in a sentence:
- She always knows how to deal with him because she has his number.
- He thought he could fool her, but she had his number from the start.
- I can tell when she's lying because I have her number.
More "classification" idioms
