Phrase guide

have a thing

verb · 3 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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1

verb

Meaning 1

To be in a casual or illicit romantic relationship.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: informal

Examples

  • Brad and Mary have a thing.
  • They’ve got a thing.
  • They had a thing, but it's over now.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: have a thing going on

Antonyms: none provided

2

verb

Meaning 2

To have a crush on, or a soft spot for, someone or something.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: informal

Examples

  • Brad has a thing for Mary.
  • I have a thing for ghost stories.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: have the hots for, fancy

Antonyms: none provided

3

verb

Meaning 3

To have an issue, such as a hang-up.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: informal

Examples

  • Don't ask Mary to drive you there, because she has a thing about highway driving. It sometimes gives her panic attacks.
  • He has a thing about not stepping on sidewalk cracks.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

No etymology was provided for this word.