When someone says that someone "doesn't have the goods," they are typically suggesting that the person lacks the necessary qualities, skills, or abilities to perform a specific task or achieve a particular goal successfully. It's a colloquial expression used to convey that the person is not up to the required standard or doesn't possess the qualities needed for a specific situation.
For example, if someone is applying for a job and the hiring manager says, "Sorry, but this candidate doesn't have the goods," it means the candidate's qualifications, experience, or skills do not meet the company's requirements for the position.
Similarly, in a more general context, if someone says, "He doesn't have the goods to be a leader," they are suggesting that the person lacks the necessary qualities, such as leadership skills, decision-making abilities, or charisma, to be an effective leader.
Overall, when someone uses this expression, they are pointing out the person's perceived shortcomings or inadequacies in a specific context.