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have one's hand in the till. In DICTIOUS you will not only get to know all the dictionary meanings for the word
have one's hand in the till, but we will also tell you about its etymology, its characteristics and you will know how to say
have one's hand in the till in singular and plural. Everything you need to know about the word
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English
Etymology
From the most basic form of the crime: a shop assistant removing cash from the register.
Pronunciation
Verb
have one's hand in the till (third-person singular simple present has one's hand in the till, present participle having one's hand in the till, simple past and past participle had one's hand in the till)
- (idiomatic) To embezzle, to steal from one's place of business.
1990, House of Cards, season 1, episode 1:Francis Urquhart: You've been a bit of a bad lad, haven't you, Roger?
Roger O'Neill: What?
FU: You've had your hand in the till.
RO: Francis, you're joking!
FU: Your expenses are paid by Central Office, aren't they? But you've been claiming quite large sums from the advertising agency as well. It's a bit naughty, Roger.
Usage notes
- Various similar constructions are also found, e.g. with one's hands in the till.
Translations
to steal money that one has been trusted with