A dictionary of Confusable Phrases: More Than 10,000 Idioms and Collocations

have someone on a string • have someone on the
line
have someone on a string —have a person under one’s full
control: He was like a little puppy dog, and she had him on
a string; he was putty in her hands.
have someone on the line —have a person on the phone: I
have called at all hours and almost always have someone on
the line in under two minutes.
have someone’s number • have someone’s number
on it
have someone’s number —(coll.) know smb.’s real motives or
intentions when dealing with that person: “I think I’ve got
your number, Mr. Omnipotent Superbeing,” she said gently,
“You don’t fool me for a minute.”
have someone’s number on it—(of a bomb, bullet, etc.) be
intended by fate for a particular person (also: have someone’s
name on it): If it’s got your number on it, you’ll get it, no
matter where you are.
have something going for one • have something
going with someone
have something going for one —(coll.) have ability, talent,
good looks, etc. that help one to be successful: Bowser
definitely has something going for him, and it’s a something
that seems to appeal to many.
Note: 
The expression does not correlate in meaning with the
phrase have it coming to one— used of smb. about to suffer pun-
ishment or some unpleasant consequences: John has it coming to
him. He caused these problems by not being involved enough
and making some bad decisions.
have something going with someone —(coll.) have a romance
– 169 –
have something going for one

---

or an affectionate relationship with a person (also: have a thing
going with someone): Is it true that Sammy has something going
with Linda?