in (one's) pocket
Under one's control or influence, especially in an underhanded or unethical way, such as by bribery or extortion. It's pretty obvious that our national legislators are all in corporate bigwigs' pockets! I hear that the boss has half the police force in his pocket. The principal has been in the superintendent's pocket ever since he started the job.
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.
in one's pocket
1. In one's power or possession, under one's influence. For example, The defense lawyer had the jury in his pocket. [Mid-1800s]
2. in each other's pockets. In very close proximity or mutual dependence, as in Bert and Harry work in the same office, live in the same house, belong to the same clubs-they're constantly in each other's pockets . [Mid-1900s]
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer. Copyright © 2003, 1997 by The Christine Ammer 1992 Trust. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.