pocket up: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘pocket up’ mean?
The idiom pocket up means to save or accumulate money or resources. It is often used when someone is being cautious or frugal with their finances.
Idiom Explorer
An idiom is a phrase that does not have a literal meaning. The idiom "save" means to keep money or resources for future use, or to rescue someone or something from danger or harm.
The idiom "salt away" means to save or keep something, especially money, for future use or for a specific purpose.
The idiom "salt away" is derived from the Middle English word "salt" meaning salt. It is believed to have originated from the practice of preserving food by salting it, which was common before the invention of refrigeration. The idiom refers to the act of saving or storing something, often money or resources, for future use.
The idiom "run up" means to accumulate or increase something, typically a debt or a bill. It suggests the idea of quickly and continuously adding to a particular amount or total. For example, if someone "runs up" a credit card bill, they are continuously adding charges and increasing the amount owed.
The idiom "roll up one's sleeves" means to prepare for hard work or to get ready to tackle a difficult task.
The idiom "roll up one's sleeves" is a commonly used phrase in the English language. It has a literal and figurative meaning, both of which convey a sense of readiness and willingness to work hard or get involved in a task or situation. The origins of this idiom can be traced back to the literal act of rolling up one's sleeves to prepare for physical labor or manual work.
The idiom "pretty penny" means a significant or large amount of money. It is often used to emphasize the high cost or value of something.
The idiom "pretty penny" is used to describe something that is expensive or costs a great deal of money. It is often used in the context of making a purchase or spending a significant amount of money on something.
The idiom "power of the purse" refers to the ability to control or influence decisions by controlling the money or financial resources. It implies that those who control the finances hold significant power and can shape outcomes.
The idiom "pony up" means to pay or give money, especially when it is expected or demanded. It is often used in a casual or slightly aggressive way to urge someone to contribute their share or fulfill their financial obligation.
"Decoding the Enigma"
The idiom pocket up is primarily associated with American football. It refers to the act of tucking in the jersey to create a makeshift pocket for holding the ball securely. This technique has been used by players since the late 19th century when the sport first began to develop its distinct set of rules and strategies.
Pocket up became more widespread over time as coaches and players recognized its benefits. When a player pockets up, they can not only protect the ball from being dislodged or stolen by an opponent but also have it readily accessible for a quick release or pass. This ability to swiftly transition from holding the ball to passing or throwing it can be crucial for a team's offensive strategy and overall success in the game.
Now, let's talk about two related idioms: "pin money" and "pill in the pocket".
In relation to "pin money", this idiom refers to a small amount of money that is earned or set aside for personal expenses. It has its roots in the concept of a woman having some discretionary funds to spend on herself, often from her husband's income. The connection between "pin money" and pocket up lies in the idea of having something securely tucked away. Just as a football player pockets up to hold the ball securely, someone might keep their pin money tucked away in a pocket or safe place to ensure it is accessible when needed.
As for the idiom "pill in the pocket", it carries a sense of preparedness or being ready for any situation. This idiom is often used to describe someone who is cautious and always has a backup plan or solution to a problem. It can be related to pocket up in the sense that a player pockets up to have the ball within reach and ready to use. Similarly, someone who keeps a pill in their pocket is prepared for any health-related issue that may arise.
Although pocket up is primarily used in the context of American football, it can also be used metaphorically in other situations. In a broader sense, pocket up can symbolize a sense of preparedness or readiness, much like an athlete who is securing their tools or resources before taking action. This use of the idiom is less common and overshadowed by its sports-related meaning.
It is important to note that pocket up is mainly used in American English and may not be as widely recognized or understood in other English-speaking regions. Its usage is primarily confined to discussions and contexts related to American football, limiting its relevance and applicability in other areas of conversation.
Pocket up is an idiom specific to American football, referring to the act of tucking in the jersey to create a makeshift pocket for holding the ball securely. Its usage has been prevalent since the early years of the sport and continues to be an integral part of offensive strategies in contemporary football. Although the idiom can also have a metaphorical connotation of preparedness, its usage remains predominantly limited to the sports context. Despite its specificity, pocket up exemplifies the unique language and cultural nuances that contribute to the richness of idiomatic expressions.
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom "pocket up" can be used in a sentence:
- He tends to pocket up his emotions, rarely showing how he truly feels.
- She pocketed up the money that was left on the table and walked away.
- Despite his significant achievements, he chose to pocket up all the praise and deflect attention onto his team.
More "Colloquial" idioms
