pocket

be in someone's pocket

if you are in someone's pocket, you do everything that they want you to do. The school governors are completely in the head teacher's pocket.

be out of pocket

to have less money than you should have. I'll give you the money for my ticket now, so you won't be out of pocket.

deep pockets

if an organization or a person has deep pockets, they have a lot of money. Anyone who tries to help that company will need deep pockets - it is nearly bankrupt.

See also: deep

dig/dip into your pocket

to use your own money to pay for something. Parents of young children have to dig deep into their pockets at Christmas-time.

See also: dig, dip

have something burning a hole in your pocket (humorous)

if someone has money burning a hole in their pocket, they want to spend it as soon as possible. I had a fifty dollar bill that was burning a hole in my pocket, so I figured I'd go out and have a really good time.

See also: burning, hole

line someone's pockets

if money or a system is lining someone's pockets, that person is receiving too much money or is receiving money that is not intended for them. There's to be an investigation following allegations that the money raised is lining the pockets of officials.

See also: line

line your (own) pockets

to make a lot of money in a way that is not fair or honest. Sharp resigned after allegations that he had been lining his pockets during his time as company director.

See also: line

live in each other's pockets

if people live in each other's pockets, they spend too much time together. I don't think it's healthy the way those two live in each other's pockets.

See also: each, live

pick someone's pocket

to steal money from someone's pocket or bag. You'd think you'd feel something if someone tried to pick your pocket.

See also: pick

put your hand in your pocket

to give money to charity (= organizations that collect money to give to poor people, ill people etc.). People are more inclined to put their hands in their pockets to help children.

See also: hand

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in someone's pocket

under someone's control and influence. Industry leaders made the mistake of assuming they had the chairman in their pocket.

line your (own) pockets

to make a lot of money for yourself. Allowing patients to sue will increase the cost of health insurance and line lawyers' pockets. He was using his position as an immigration official to line his pockets.

Usage notes: usually said about a person who either makes money illegally or takes more than is fair or right

feather your (own) nest

See also: line

pick someone's pocket

1. to steal from your pockets or bag without you noticing. Someone in the subway picked my pocket and got my wallet.

2. to cheat someone. Her lawyer told her that he would look out for her interests and then proceeded to pick her pocket.

See also: pick