Itchy Palm, to Have an
Definition: To be corruptible, greedy, or eager for a bribe. The imagery of an itchy palm suggests someone who is metaphorically itching for money, particularly ill-gotten gains.
Origin: Popularized by the great Bard himself, William Shakespeare. In Julius Caesar (4.3), Brutus accuses Cassius: “Let me tell you, Cassius, you yourself are much condemned to have an itching palm.”
Similar Terms:
- Grease someone’s palm
- Dirty hands
- Silver-handed
- Have sticky fingers
Related Terms:
- Bite the hand that feeds you
- Cash cow
- Money talks
- Follow the money
Synonyms:
- Venal
- Greedy
- Bribable
- Corrupt
Antonyms:
- Honest
- Ethical
- Incorruptible
- Scrupulous
Humor-Filled Quotes:
- “If you want to leave footprints in the sands of time, don’t drag your feet,” or in this case, your itchy palm! 😆 - Unknown
- “You can’t buy happiness, but you can buy a pretty fancy hand cream if your palm gets that itchy!” – Anonymous
Proverbs:
- “The love of money is the root of all evil.”
- “A penny saved is a penny earned,” but if you’re itching for more, you might get burned. 🔥
References in Literature:
- Lord of the Flies by William Golding – Explore the concepts of greed and self-interest in the rawest form.
- Great Expectations by Charles Dickens – Witness how wealth and desire can corrupt society and individuals alike.
Songs:
- “Money (That’s What I Want)” by Barrett Strong
- “Material Girl” by Madonna
Movies:
- Wall Street (1987): “Greed is good.” Or is it?
- The Wolf of Wall Street (2013): A wild ride through the decadence and corruption of a stockbroker’s life.
Poetry:
- “Money” by Philip Larkin – A poetic exploration of money’s pervasive influence.
Inspirational Thought-Provoking Farewell:
Never let your palm itch for more than it can earn honestly. Greed may fill your hand today but it’s integrity that builds your legacy for tomorrow.
### Which of these is synonymous with 'to have an itchy palm'?
- [x] Grease someone’s palm
- [ ] Have silk gloves
- [ ] Carry golden spoons
- [ ] Kiss brass coins
> **Explanation:** "Grease someone’s palm" means to bribe someone, very closely related to having an itchy palm. The rest are just fanciful phrases devoid of bribery.
### Which Shakespearean play features the term 'itching palm'?
- [ ] Romeo and Juliet
- [x] Julius Caesar
- [ ] Macbeth
- [ ] The Tempest
> **Explanation:** Julius Caesar (4.3) features Brutus accusing Cassius of having an itching palm, hinting at corruption and greed.
### True or False: 'Having an itchy palm' is an idiomatic phrase meaning to be eager for money.
- [x] True
- [ ] False
> **Explanation:** True! The phrase means someone is eager for money, usually via illicit means.
### Which expression means the opposite of 'to have an itchy palm'?
- [ ] Butter fingers
- [ ] Hand in the cookie jar
- [ ] Filthy rich
- [x] Incorruptible
> **Explanation:** Incorruptible is the correct answer as it means someone who cannot be bribed, the complete opposite of having an itchy palm.
### What is the main theme related to 'having an itchy palm'?
- [ ] Joy
- [x] Greed
- [ ] Sadness
- [ ] Innocence
> **Explanation:** Greed is the main theme of this idiom, focusing on the eager desire for money, often unethically obtained.
