The phrase "what they had" typically refers to something that was possessed, owned, or experienced by people in the past. The exact meaning depends on context, but commonly it can mean:
- What possessions or resources they had.
- What qualities, skills, or abilities they had.
- What experiences or circumstances they had.
If the phrase is from a text, conversation, or specific scenario, it refers to the things that were available or belonged to "them" at a certain previous time. If more specific context or usage of "what they had" is needed, please provide additional details for a more tailored explanation.