have in pocket

have (someone) in (one's) pocket

To have someone under one's control or influence, especially in an underhanded or unethical way, such as by bribery or extortion. It's pretty obvious that corporate bigwigs have all of our national legislators in their pockets. I hear that the boss has half the police force in his pocket. A: "What exactly are you suggesting? That the mob has me in their pocket?" B: "Well, it just strikes me as odd that you're no longer going to testify against them."

See also: have, pocket

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

have someone in one's pocket

Fig. to have complete control over someone. Don't worry about the mayor. She'll cooperate. I've got her in my pocket. John will do just what I tell him. I've got him and his brother in my pocket.

See also: have, pocket

McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.