English Expression · Intermediate
have up
To accuse, arrest, try for a criminal act
Pronunciation: say have up
Meaning
To accuse, arrest, try for a criminal act.
Example
In the police courts it is not uncommon to hear that such and such low persons have been "had up" for "cat and kitten sneaking," i.e., stealing quart and pint pots.
In the police courts it is not uncommon to hear that such and such low persons have been "had up" for "cat and kitten sneaking," i.e., stealing quart and pint pots.
Practice tips
- Practice have up out loud — read the pronunciation guide above and repeat.
- Use it in your own sentence today; reuse beats rereading.
- Pay attention to context: this English expression is for intermediate-level learners.