have an itchy palm

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have an itchy palm

To be looking for a bribe or payout; to be greedy or corrupt. A: "I can't believe that guy at the desk actually answered all of your questions!" B: "Ah, he just had an itchy palm—a little money made him more inclined to talk." These wealthy businesses shape the law by finding politicians who have itchy palms.

itchy palm, to have an

Corruptible, greedy, asking for a bribe. This term, like so many, was originated by Shakespeare. In Julius Caesar (4.3) Brutus says, “Let me tell you, Cassius, you yourself are much condemned to have an itching palm.” See also grease someone's palm.