Cross somebody’s palm with silver

usgb
idiom

To hand over money; to pay someone, especially as a bribe or for some service or information.

She crossed the fortune teller's palm with silver to learn about her future.
Visual representation of "cross somebody’s palm with silver" - To hand over money; to pay someone, especially as a bribe or for some service or information.

Often appears as...

  • she crossed his palm with silver
  • cross my palm with silver

Usage tips

Formal

Idiomatic

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Visual representation of "cross somebody’s palm with silver"
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Often Metaphorical

This phrase is frequently used in a non-literal sense to imply a bribe or exchange for secrets.

Illustration for Often Metaphorical
To get the inside scoop, I had to cross his palm with silver.
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Historical Roots

The phrase originates from older times when silver coins were common currency.

Illustration for Historical Roots
In historical novels, you'll often find characters crossing palms with silver.
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Archaic Connotation

The idiom is considered old-fashioned and can lend a period feel to the language.

Illustration for Archaic Connotation
He crossed the mystic's palm with silver, as was done in ancient tales.
Visual representation of the word "Cross somebody’s palm with silver"

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