have someone on toast
To have somebody in one's power, or in a compromising or helpless position.
Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
“I have him on toast now that I know his secret.”
“With all the evidence gathered against the corrupt manager, the investigators finally had him on toast.”
“Once the detective discovered the hidden ledger, he realized he had the suspect on toast and could force a full confession.”
- 01
as if someone owns the place
Alternative form of like someone owns the place.
- 02
beat someone round the ears
To beat (a person) with blows about the head.
- 03
bless someone with
To give or bestow, as a gift from God.
- 04
bring someone to their knees
To defeat and make submit to orders.
- 05
call someone every name in the book
To call someone many abusive names.
- 06
call someone everything but a child of God
To call someone many abusive names.
- 07
catch someone napping
To take advantage of someone's inattention.
- 08
cry someone a river
To weep profusely or excessively in the presence of another person.
Last updated August 10, 2026