get the goods on


get the goods on (someone)

To obtain incriminating evidence or proof against someone. We know he's guilty, but we can't arrest him until we get the goods on him.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