have someone's number

Definitions

1. To understand a person's character, capabilities, or situation.
   idiomatic
2. Used other than figuratively or idiomatically: see have, someone's, number.

Examples

“"Whenever a person says to you that they are as innocent as can be in all concerning money, look⟳ well after your own⟳ money, for they are dead certain to collar it, if they can. Whenever a person proclaims to you ‘In worldly matters I’m a child,’ you consider⟳ that that person is only a crying off from being held accountable, and that you have⟳ got that person’s number⟳, and it’s Number⟳ One."”

“"Say⟳! He's the hardest guy I ever saw⟳," Stoner declared, admiringly. Mallow spoke last⟳, but he spoke with conviction. "You said it, Brick. I had his number⟳ from the start⟳. He's a master crook, and—it'll pay⟳ us all to string with him."”

“Morelli has her number⟳: "Lots of energy, not much control⟳, sexy as hell."”

“Llodra, a doubles specialist who is ranked 38 in singles, was charging to the net at every opportunity and played some brilliant shots but Murray seemed to have⟳ his number⟳ at that stage⟳.”

CEFR level