in the pocket of (someone)

phrase

disapproving
: under someone's control or influence
researchers/scientists who are in the pocket of pharmaceutical companies

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“In the pocket of (someone).” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/in%20the%20pocket%20of%20%28someone%29. Accessed 14 Mar. 2026.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster