Search from various English teachers...
Wu Ting
What's the meaning of "in sb's back pocket"?
Murph and I walked to Sterling and stood at parade rest. “All right, little man,” he said, “I want you to get in Bartle’s back pocket and I want you to stay there. Do you understand?”
What's the meaning of "I want you to get in Bartle’s back pocket"? Does it mean Sterling wanted Murph to be under the control of "me"?
Thanks!
Feb 15, 2013 5:27 AM
Answers · 1
Without more context, I can only guess. However, there is an idiom, "to be in somebody's (back) pocket." If you are in someone's (back) pocket," it means you are totally under their control. You are completely subservient to the other person. So my guess here is that Sterling told somone* that he should place himself under the complete control of Bertie ("get in Bertie's back pocket'), and remain under his control ("and I want you to stay there").
*The paragraph is not clear whom Sterling was telling to get in Bertie's back pocket. The "you" in "I want you" could refer to Murph, or to the unnamed person telling the story (the "I" in "Murph and I").
February 15, 2013
Still haven’t found your answers?
Write down your questions and let the native speakers help you!
Wu Ting
Language Skills
Chinese (Mandarin), English, French
Learning Language
English
Articles You May Also Like

How to Ask for a Raise or Promotion in English
9 likes · 8 Comments

The Key to Learning a Language Faster
30 likes · 8 Comments

Why "General English" is Failing Your Career (An Engineer’s Perspective)
30 likes · 12 Comments
More articles
