📜 Itching Palm
Definition: Greedy, open to bribes or corruption.
Origin: This term finds its roots in Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar (4.3), where Brutus accuses Cassius: “Let me tell you, Cassius, you yourself are much condemned to have an itching palm”. Shakespeare’s poetic indictment of corruption has since evolved into the modern idiomatic expression.
Related Terms and Expressions:
- Grease someone’s palm: To incentivize (usually corruptly) by giving money or a bribe.
- On the take: Constantly accepting bribes or engaging in corrupt activities.
- In someone’s pocket: To be controlled or significantly influenced by someone, usually through financial incentives.
- Money talks: Suggesting that money has the power to influence or even corrupt decisions and actions.
😂 Humor-Filled Quotes:
- “He who steals a hook will be hanged, while he who steals the state will be crowned as Duke.” — Laozi, paradoxically point out how society sometimes heralds the greatest thieves.
📚 Literature & Books:
- Julius Caesar by William Shakespeare — For the original “itching palm” quote.
- The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald – A riveting portrayal of greed and moral decay in the Jazz Age.
🎬 Movies:
- The Wolf of Wall Street — An electrifying saga of greed, corruption, and excess, painting the real-life exploits of Jordan Belfort.
- Wall Street — The iconic phrase “Greed is good” vividly explores the corruptive influence of wealth and power.
🎵 Songs:
- “Money” by Pink Floyd – A critical reflection on the power and pitfalls of money.
- “If I Were a Rich Man” from Fiddler on the Roof – Humorous musings on the wishful ideas of sudden wealth.
🧐 Thought-Provoking Proverbs:
- “A bribe blinds the eye of the wise and twists the words of the innocent.” – Those who accept bribes may lose their discernment and moral direction.
- “Power corrupts, and absolute power corrupts absolutely.” – The more power one wields, the more likely they are to fall into corrupt practices.
✨ Quiz Time! ✨
### Where did the term "itching palm" originate?
- [x] Shakespeare's *Julius Caesar*
- [ ] Oscar Wilde's *The Picture of Dorian Gray*
- [ ] Charles Dickens' *Oliver Twist*
- [ ] Jane Austen's *Pride and Prejudice*
> **Explanation:** The term "itching palm" originated from Shakespeare’s *Julius Caesar* in Act IV, Scene 3, when Brutus accuses Cassius of being corrupt.
### What does the phrase "grease someone's palm" mean?
- [x] Give someone a bribe
- [ ] Cook with someone's help
- [ ] Shake hands enthusiastically
- [ ] Share personal secrets
> **Explanation:** To "grease someone's palm" means to slip them some money (a bribe) to obtain a favor in return.
### Which of the following phrases means someone is controlled by another (usually through bribes)?
- [ ] Jumping the gun
- [x] In someone's pocket
- [ ] Kicking the can down the road
- [ ] Barking up the wrong tree
> **Explanation:** "In someone's pocket" means being significantly influenced or controlled by someone, often due to financial incentives.
### Which Shakespearean character is accused of having an "itching palm"?
- [ ] Hamlet
- [ ] Romeo
- [x] Cassius
- [ ] Othello
> **Explanation:** In *Julius Caesar*, Brutus accuses Cassius of having an itching palm, implying that he is greedy and corrupt.
### True or False: "Money talks" means that wealth can influence decisions.
- [x] True
- [ ] False
> **Explanation:** True. "Money talks" means that money has the power to influence decisions and actions, often leading to corruption.
In language as in life, the lust for money often corrupts. Stay true, and resist the “itch”—your integrity is priceless.
E. L. Elequent, Signing off thoughtfully.✨
