Think about the small things students carry every day — bus passes, coins, notes, or even folded reminders tucked safely away. Pockets are meant to hold what matters, so it is no surprise that English uses them to talk about money, control, secrets, and convenience. These expressions show how an ordinary object becomes a powerful way to describe real-life situations.
Out of pocket
Meaning: To spend your own money or be unavailable for a while.
Example: I was out of pocket after buying materials for the project.
Deep pockets
Meaning: Having a lot of money or financial resources.
Example: The team found sponsors with deep pockets.
In someone’s pocket
Meaning: Completely under someone’s control or influence.
Example: The player seemed to have the referee in his pocket.
Pocket money
Meaning: Small amounts of money given for personal spending.
Example: She saved her pocket money to buy a new book.
Pocket-sized
Meaning: Small and easy to carry.
Example: He carried a pocket-sized dictionary to class.
Line your pockets
Meaning: To earn money dishonestly.
Example: The official was accused of lining his pockets.
Pick someone’s pocket
Meaning: To steal from someone secretly.
Example: Thieves tried to pick pockets in the crowded market.
In the pocket
Meaning: Comfortable or secure.
Example: After practice, the performance felt in the pocket.
A hole in your pocket
Meaning: Money that is quickly spent.
Example: The coins seemed to burn a hole in his pocket.
Pocket an insult
Meaning: To ignore an insult without reacting.
Example: She chose to pocket the insult and continue calmly.
Keep it in your pocket
Meaning: To save an idea or plan for later use.
Example: He kept the suggestion in his pocket for the next meeting.
Pocket victory
Meaning: A small but satisfying success.
Example: Finishing the first draft felt like a pocket victory.
Pocket change
Meaning: A very small amount of money.
Example: The repair cost was only pocket change.
Out of one’s pocket
Meaning: Paid personally rather than officially.
Example: The teacher bought supplies out of her own pocket.
