| E. Cobham Brewer 1810–1897. Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 1898. |
| | | Palm. | | |
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An itching palm. A hand ready to receive bribes. The old superstition is that if your palm itches you are going to receive money. | 1 |
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| “Let me tell you, Cassius, you yourself |
| Are much condemned to have an itching palm.” | |
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Shakespeare: Julius Cœsar, iv. 3. |
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To bear the palm. To be the best. The allusion is to the Roman custom of giving the victorious gladiator a branch of the palm tree. | 2 |
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