get the goods on (someone)

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

get (or have) the goods on someone

obtain (or possess) information about a person which may be used to their detriment. informalSee also: get, good, on, someone

get the goods on someone

tv. to uncover incriminating evidence against someone. The IRS tried to get the goods on Rocko, but Rocko knows all the angles. See also: get, good, on, someone