touch the hem of (someone's) garment
To express one's respect, fealty, awe, subjection, or reverence to someone else. An allusion to the Biblical story of a woman who was healed by Jesus after she surreptitiously touched the hem of his garment. You're a man of great power and influence. If you touch the hem of this fool's garment, it could have serious global repercussions.
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.