Have (something) under (one's) belt In english explanation

The meaning, explanation, definition and origin of the idiom/phrase "have (something) under (one's) belt", English Idiom Dictionary ( also found in Vietnamese )

author Jenne Phuong calendar 2021-08-10 09:08

Meaning of Have (something) under (one's) belt

Synonyms:

chalk something up

Have (something) under (one's) belt phrase

The verb "get" can substitute for the verb "have".

 If someone "has something under his/her belt", especially food or drink, he/she consumes them. 

Having healthy food under my belt makes me feel more energetic.

She has just had spicy curry under her belt, so she has heartburn now.

If someone "has something under his/her belt", he/she achieved something that benefits their career or reputation. 

The famous football player - Cristiano Ronaldo - had had 5 golden balls by the time he was 34.

 If someone "has something under his/her belt", he/she has learned or done something that might be useful in the future.

It's essential to have some soft skills under your belt before graduating.

Grammar and Usage of Have (something) under (one's) belt

Verb Forms

  • to have (something) under (one's) belt
  • has (something) under (one's) belt
  • having (something) under (one's) belt
  • had (something) under (one's) belt

The verb "have" should be conjugated according to its tense. 

Origin of Have (something) under (one's) belt

The expression "under one’s belt" first came into use in the late 1700s-early 1800s, and was used as the expression of a tally of how many alcoholic beverages one had consumed. Over time, the phrase "under one’s belt" came to mean consuming food, also. By the 1920s-1930s, "under one’s belt" came to mean acquiring knowledge, talent, or experience.

The Origin Cited:
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TODAY
a hair in the butter

A problem or difficult circumstance

Example:

I'm short-sighted, so forgetting my glasses is a real hair in the butter for my sight.

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