have an itchy palm

have an itchy palm

To be looking for a bribe or payout; to be greedy or corrupt. A: "I can't believe that guy at the desk actually answered all of your questions!" B: "Ah, he just had an itchy palm—a little money made him more inclined to talk." These wealthy businesses shape the law by finding politicians who have itchy palms. There's always a way to get what you want—you just need to figure out which members of the administrative board have an itchy palm.

See also: an, have, itchy, palm

Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.

itchy palm, to have an

Corruptible, greedy, asking for a bribe. This term, like so many, was originated by Shakespeare. In Julius Caesar (4.3) Brutus says, “Let me tell you, Cassius, you yourself are much condemned to have an itching palm.” See also grease someone's palm.

See also: an, have, itchy, to

The Dictionary of Clichés by Christine Ammer Copyright © 2013 by Christine Ammer