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get the goods on

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get the goods on somebody

(slang)

to get or have proof that someone has done something wrong For months, the cops were trying to get the goods on a drug dealer who lives down the street.

Usage notes: sometimes used in the form have the goods on someone: Look, Stan, you may think you have the goods on me, but you don't.

See also: get, good, on

get the goods on

Also, have the goods on. Acquire or possess confidential information about someone, especially of a damaging or incriminating kind. For example, "Trouble is, they've got the goods on me" (Owen Johnson, The Lawrenceville Stories, 1909). [Slang; 1870s] Also see get on one.

See also: get, good, on