What does “In someone's pocket” mean?

"In someone's pocket" means that someone or something is under someone's control or influence.

What context can I use the in?

Example

The politician was clearly in someone's pocket and did whatever they wanted.

Example

The CEO had the entire board in his pocket and made all the decisions.

Example

The corrupt businessman had the police in his pocket and avoided any legal consequences

Is “In someone's pocket” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?

“In someone's pocket” is a proverb. A proverb is a short saying that teaches us something important or gives us advice. Unlike an idiom, it’s easy to understand even if it uses figurative language.

How would I use “In someone's pocket” effectively in context?

You can use "In someone's pocket" to describe a situation where someone is under the control or influence of another person or group. It implies that the person being described is easily manipulated or controlled by someone else. For example, if you want to say that a politician is controlled by a powerful interest group, you might say, 'The politician was clearly "in someone's pocket" and did whatever they wanted.'

1Politics
The mayor was suspected of being in someone's pocket and making decisions that favored certain businesses.
2Business
The CEO had the entire board in his pocket and made all the decisions without consulting anyone else.
3Corruption
The corrupt businessman had the police in his pocket and managed to avoid any legal consequences for his actions.

Similar phrases to “In someone's pocket”:

Under someone's thumb

To be under the complete control or influence of someone

Example

The employee felt like she was under her boss's thumb and had to do whatever he said.

Puppet on a string

To be completely controlled or manipulated by someone else

Example

The dictator treated the country's leader like a puppet on a string, making all the decisions for him.

Dance to someone's tune

To do what someone wants or expects, often because they have power or control over you

Example

The employees had no choice but to dance to their boss's tune and work overtime without extra pay.

Good things to know:

Where does the phrase “In someone's pocket” come from?

The origin of the phrase "In someone's pocket" is unknown.

Is “In someone's pocket” common in everyday conversation?

"In someone's pocket" is a common expression in everyday conversation. It is frequently used to describe situations where someone is under the control or influence of another person or group.

What tone does “In someone's pocket” have?

"In someone's pocket" conveys a tone of criticism or suspicion. It suggests that the person being described is not acting independently or in the best interest of others, but rather serving the interests of someone else.

Can “In someone's pocket” be used in informal and formal settings?

"In someone's pocket" is a relatively informal expression. It is commonly used in casual conversations, but may also be used in more formal settings depending on the context.

Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?

"In someone's pocket" is typically used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'The CEO had the entire board "in his pocket" and made all the decisions.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'He's clearly "in someone's pocket"!' to imply that someone is easily influenced or controlled.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

under someone's control
manipulated by someone
subject to someone's influence
in someone's grasp
under someone's sway

Antonyms

independent
free from influence
in control of one's own destiny
not under someone's thumb
not a puppet