have/take/get the measure of (someone)
phrase
chiefly British
: to have or get a good understanding about what is needed to defeat or deal with (someone one is competing against)
She failed to take the measure of her opponent.
Cite this Entry
“Have/take/get the measure of (someone).” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/have%2Ftake%2Fget%20the%20measure%20of%20%28someone%29. Accessed 10 Mar. 2026.
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