ENGLISH
REFERENCE

get the goods on

idiom
Meaning

To acquire knowledge or develop evidence that reveals the truth about someone's character or behavior, especially criminal behavior.


Examples
SIMPLE

The detective wants to get the goods on the thief.

CONTEXTUAL

The reporter spent months investigating the company to get the goods on their corrupt manager.

COMPLEX

By meticulously tracking the politician's secret financial records, the journalist finally managed to get the goods on him, exposing his long history of bribery.

Anchors to
Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    bill of goods

    A set of misleading or deceptive claims.

  2. 02

    can't get enough

    Greatly enjoys; likes a lot.

  3. 03

    come up with the goods

    To produce what was expected or required.

  4. 04

    could not get elected dogcatcher

    Said of someone, particularly a politician, who is extremely unpopular.

  5. 05

    deliver the goods

    To do what was promised or expected.

  6. 06

    don't get someone started

    Used to attempt to avoid or abbreviate a discussion that speaker or hearer may wish to avoid.

  7. 07

    five will get you ten

    I strongly believe.

  8. 08

    get a charge out of

    To derive excitement, entertainment, or pleasure from.

© 2026 English Reference