Have designs on

Meaning

The idiom "have designs on" means to have plans or intentions for someone or something. It suggests a desire to control or influence the person or thing in question.

Usage

• John has designs on becoming the CEO of the company.
• Sarah had designs on her neighbor's husband and was trying to seduce him.
• The government has designs on regulating the internet.
• The city council has designs on building a new stadium in downtown.
• My ex-girlfriend had designs on my phone and deleted all my contacts. The usage of this idiom can vary depending on the context. It can be used to describe positive plans or intentions, as well as negative ones. Additionally, the idiom can be used with people or objects.

Roots and History

The earliest known use of the idiom "have designs on" was in the mid-19th century. The origin of the idiom is not entirely clear, but it may have originated from the idea of having a design or plan for someone or something. Over time, the idiom has evolved to include a wider range of meanings and usage.

Synonyms in English

• Plan for someone/something
• Intend for someone/something
• Have ambitions for someone/something
• Have goals for someone/something
• Have an agenda for someone/something

Synonyms in other languages

• In Spanish, "tener planes para alguien" translates to "to have plans for someone".
• In French, "avoir des projets pour quelqu'un" translates to "to have projects for someone".
• In Italian, "avere un piano per qualcuno" translates to "to have a plan for someone".
• In German, "haben einen Plan für jemanden" translates to "to have a plan for someone".
• In Russian, "иметь планы относительно чего-то" translates to "to have plans for something/someone".

Similar Idioms

• status quo

• in the dark

• by hook or by crook