garment

kiss the hem of (someone's) garment

To express one's respect, fealty, awe, subjection, or reverence to someone else. You're a man of great power and influence, sir. If you kiss the hem of this fool's garment, it could have serious global repercussions.

See also: garment, hem, kiss, of

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.

See also: garment, hem, of, touch

Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2022 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.