"Tickling the palm" is an idiom used to describe a situation where someone receives or expects to receive money or financial compensation, typically through bribery, corruption, or dishonest means. The phrase originates from the sensation of being lightly touched or stimulated on the palm of the hand, which can often elicit a sensitive or pleasurable response.
This expression alludes to the act of secretly or subtly satisfying one's financial interests, often by illicit or unethical methods. It implies the underhanded nature of receiving money or a bribe, as it suggests a clandestine transaction occurring discreetly in the palm of the hand. The action of "tickling" conveys a sense of manipulation and secretive gratification, similar to how one might enjoy the sensation of being tickled.
Typically, this phrase is used within a negative context, highlighting acts of corruption, bribery, or other forms of dishonest financial dealings. It underscores the moral implications and potential ethical breaches of such actions, emphasizing the clandestine, deceptive, and illicit nature of engaging in financial improprieties.
In summary, "tickling the palm" refers to the act of receiving money, often illicitly or corruptly, where the nature of the transaction goes against ethical principles.
