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on the take

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on the take

taking bribes. (Underworld.) I heard that the mayor is on the take. Everyone in city hall is on the take.

See also: on, take

on the take

Accepting bribes or other illegal income, as in The commission found a number of police officers on the take. [Colloquial; first half of 1900s]

See also: on, take

on the take

mod. taking bribes. (Underworld.) Everyone in city hall is on the take.

See also: on, take

on the take

Informal

Taking or seeking to take bribes or illegal income: "There were policemen on the take" (Scott Turow).

See also: on, take