Phrase guide

have one's hand in the till

verb · 1 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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1

verb

Meaning 1

To embezzle, to steal from one's place of business.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: UK, idiomatic

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: have one's fingers in the till

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

From the most basic form of the crime: a shop assistant removing cash from the register.

Across languages

Translations

2 source translations are retained for this English entry.

  • Dutch: uit de kas graaien — to steal money that one has been trusted with
  • French: taper dans la caisse — to steal money that one has been trusted with