have nothing on someone
The phrase "have nothing on someone" is commonly used in both legal contexts and everyday comparisons to highlight the absence of evidence or inferiority.
🇺🇸 US Voice:
🇬🇧 UK Voice:
Definition
C1Legal
(informal, US)To lack incriminating evidence against a person.
Example
- The police questioned him for hours but eventually had to let him go because they had nothing on him.
B2General Comparison
(informal)To be inferior or less impressive compared to another person.
Example
- No matter how hard he tries, he has nothing on his older brother when it comes to athletic skills.
B2General Comparison
(informal)To have no advantage over another person.
Example
- Despite their efforts, the new team has nothing on the reigning champions.
Similar
Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "have nothing on someone":
make nothing ofwipe the floor with someonehave no businessgood on someone