in someone’s pocket: Idiom Meaning and Origin

The idiom "in one's pocket" is a commonly used phrase in English that has a figurative meaning. When someone says that another person is "in their pocket," it means that the person is under the complete control or influence of someone else. This idiom implies a sense of dependency or subservience, with the person being metaphorically held in the pocket of another individual.

The origins of this idiom are unclear, as there is no definitive explanation of its exact origin. However, the phrase "in one's pocket" has been used since at least the late 19th century in English literature and has continued to be a part of everyday language.

One possible explanation for the origin of this idiom could be derived from the idea of carrying something valuable or important in one's pocket. In this context, being "in one's pocket" might suggest that the person being controlled or influenced is seen as a valuable asset to the other person, much like carrying something important in one's pocket.

The idiom "in one's hip pocket" is another related expression that conveys a similar meaning. When someone says that they have someone "in their hip pocket," it means that they have the person under their complete control or influence, much like the idiom "in one's pocket."

The use of these idioms is not limited to personal relationships. They can be used in various contexts, such as politics, business, or everyday situations. For example, in politics, it might be said that a politician is "in the pocket" of a lobbyist or special interest group, implying that they are heavily influenced or controlled by the interests of that particular entity. Similarly, if someone has a close confidant who they have a lot of influence over, they might say that they have that person "in their pocket" or "in their hip pocket."

In business, these idioms can be used to describe someone who is under the complete control of another person within the company or industry. This could be due to financial dependence, personal relationships, or other factors that cause one person to have significant influence over another. Being "in someone's pocket" or "in someone's hip pocket" can imply a lack of independence or agency, with the individual being heavily reliant on the other person's decisions or actions.

It is important to note that being "in someone's pocket" or "in someone's hip pocket" does not necessarily have to be negative. It can simply indicate a close relationship or partnership where one person has a lot of influence over the other. It is the extreme level of control or influence that these idioms suggest that can sometimes have negative connotations.

The idioms "in one's pocket" and "in one's hip pocket" are powerful and evocative expressions that capture the dynamics of influence and control in various contexts. They signify a sense of complete dependency, highlighting the imbalance of power between the person who holds the metaphorical pocket and the person who is contained within it.

While the exact origins of these idioms remain uncertain, their continued use and prevalence in the English language demonstrate their enduring relevance and ability to convey the complexities of human relationships and power dynamics.