What is "to be had"?

Posted by James Briggs on September 04, 2003

In Reply to: What is "to be had"? posted by R. Berg on September 04, 2003

: : : Hi all,
: : : I can not figure out the meaning of this expression.
: : : Can anyone help me?

: : "I've been had" is colloquial for "I have been deceived" or "I have been cheated."

: When what is to be had is a thing, not a person, "to be had"means "available." Rings are to be had at a jewelry store. Used clothing is to be had at a flea market.

Thus, the expression has the two above meanings - one 'to be cheated' and the other 'to be obtained'.

• "Had" - tricked or fooled ESC 04/September/03