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.

in somebody’s ˈpocket

(informal) in somebody’s control, under somebody’s influence, etc: She makes all the decisions, not him. He’s completely in her pocket. ♢ The gang had hundreds of police officers in their pockets. OPPOSITE: be your own man/woman

in somebody's pocket

in (one's) pocket

in somebody’s ˈpocket