Have a thing about somebody/something
phrase
To have a strong liking or disliking for someone or something.
She has a thing about spiders, she just can't stand them.
Often appears as...
- have a thing about somebody
- have a thing about something
Usage tips
Informal
Idiomatic
phrase
To have a fixation or obsession with someone or something.
He's got a thing about cleaning, he just can't stop.
Often appears as...
- have a thing about someone
- have a thing about something
Usage tips
Informal
Idiomatic
phrase
To have a romantic interest in someone.
I think John has a thing about Mary, he's always trying to talk to her.
Often appears as...
- have a thing about someone
- have a thing for someone
Usage tips
Informal, Approving
Idiomatic
phrase
To have a strong liking or disliking for someone or something.
She has a thing about spiders, she just can't stand them.
Often appears as...
- have a thing about somebody
- have a thing about something
Usage tips
Informal
Idiomatic
phrase
To have a fixation or obsession with someone or something.
He's got a thing about cleaning, he just can't stop.
Often appears as...
- have a thing about someone
- have a thing about something
Usage tips
Informal
Idiomatic
phrase
To have a romantic interest in someone.
I think John has a thing about Mary, he's always trying to talk to her.
Often appears as...
- have a thing about someone
- have a thing for someone
Usage tips
Informal, Approving
Idiomatic
Definition 1 of 3
Pro Tip 1/3Emotional Intensity
Expresses strong feelings, either positive or negative, towards something.
Mark has a thing about old cars; he loves them more than anything.
Pro Tip 2/3Not Always Rational
The liking or disliking may not be based on reason or logic.
Sara has a thing about boats, even though she's never been on one.
Pro Tip 3/3Personal Quirk
May indicate a peculiar habit or preference unique to the person.
He has a thing about writing with blue ink only.
Pro Tip 1/3Emotional Intensity
Expresses strong feelings, either positive or negative, towards something.
Mark has a thing about old cars; he loves them more than anything.
Pro Tip 2/3Not Always Rational
The liking or disliking may not be based on reason or logic.
Sara has a thing about boats, even though she's never been on one.
Pro Tip 3/3Personal Quirk
May indicate a peculiar habit or preference unique to the person.
He has a thing about writing with blue ink only.
Pro Tip 1/3Emotional Intensity
Expresses strong feelings, either positive or negative, towards something.
Mark has a thing about old cars; he loves them more than anything.
Pro Tip 2/3Not Always Rational
The liking or disliking may not be based on reason or logic.
Sara has a thing about boats, even though she's never been on one.
Pro Tip 3/3Personal Quirk
May indicate a peculiar habit or preference unique to the person.
He has a thing about writing with blue ink only.
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