have someone to rights

The phrase "have someone to rights" is often used in informal contexts to indicate having accurate knowledge or evidence about someone's actions or character.

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Definition

C1Informal

(informal)To catch someone in the act of doing something wrong or illegal with enough proof to hold them accountable.

Example

  • The detective had the thief to rights with the security footage.
  • After finding the hidden documents, they had the corrupt official to rights.

C1Informal

(informal)To understand or judge someone accurately, often in terms of their abilities or intentions.

Example

  • She had him to rights from the beginning, knowing he was trustworthy.
  • Once you get to know her, you'll have her to rights and see her true potential.

Similar

Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "have someone to rights":

to rightsserve someone righthave someone goingby right