have designs on
idiom
1
: to have a secret desire and plan to get (something)
She had designs on my job.
2
formal + humorous
: to want to date or have a sexual relationship with (someone)
You can deny it all you want, but I think it's pretty obvious that you have designs on her.
Examples of have designs on in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
In the coming years, both NASA and the ESA have designs on sending uncrewed spacecraft to observe an infamous asteroid named Apophis, which caused some concern two decades ago when it was discovered hurtling too close for comfort toward Earth.
—
Eric Lagatta, USA TODAY, 31 Jan. 2025
Arsenal have designs on increasing their recruitment of young players, thus expanding possible returns through the transfer market — but such plans require funds.
—James McNicholas, The Athletic, 12 Dec. 2024
The Nuggets have designs on getting back to the top of the NBA mountain.
—Tony Jones, The Athletic, 5 Aug. 2024
But others, from locals to Greek revolutionaries and the Turkish Aga have designs on the statue.
—John Hopewell, Variety, 23 Feb. 2024
See All Example Sentences for have designs on
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Eric Lagatta, USA TODAY, 31 Jan. 2025
Arsenal have designs on increasing their recruitment of young players, thus expanding possible returns through the transfer market — but such plans require funds.
—James McNicholas, The Athletic, 12 Dec. 2024
The Nuggets have designs on getting back to the top of the NBA mountain.
—Tony Jones, The Athletic, 5 Aug. 2024
But others, from locals to Greek revolutionaries and the Turkish Aga have designs on the statue.
—John Hopewell, Variety, 23 Feb. 2024
See All Example Sentences for have designs on
Cite this Entry
“Have designs on.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/have%20designs%20on. Accessed 26 Feb. 2025.
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