line (one's pockets)

[thedaffodils]

I understand the meaning of line one’s pockets, but I don't understand what 'line' refers to.

Could someone help me out? Thanks!

 

[euncu]

Source: http://www.thefreedictionary.com/line

line 2 (l

n)
tr.v. lined, lin·ing, lines
3. To fill plentifully, as with money or food.

Idiom: line (one's) pockets To make a profit, especially by illegitimate means.


For an example, check this one out;
http://www.dilbert.com/strips/comic/1992-03-30/

 

[thedaffodils]

Thank you very much for your help.

Why does 'line' refer to 'fill'?

 

[BobK]

Thank you very much for your help.

Why does 'line' refer to 'fill'?

Interesting question. :up: I'm not sure...

Thinking about it, it occurs to me that the idea of 'grease' may be involved. Greasy can be used of an immoral person - 'a slippery customer'. When you bribe someone you 'grease their palm'.

Back to 'lining'; when you make a cake, you line the tin with greaseproof paper (or baking foil, or something like it) and then grease it (so that the cake-mix doesn't stick - in my experience this rarely works, but people still do it ;-)).

Perhaps you line your pockets - as if they were cake-tins - and to stop stuff sticking to them you grease the lining (metaphorically, that is)...

This sounds a bit contrived to me, but I can't think of another link between lining and filling..

b

 

[thedaffodils]

Thank you, BobK.