on the take

on the take

In receipt of bribes or income from illegal avenues. Everyone knows that the majority of politicians are on the take. That's the reason the biggest corporations have the greatest influence on the legislation. You're naïve if you think there aren't cops on the take in this town.
See also: on, take
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

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
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.

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
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer.

on the take

taking bribes. informal
1990 Morley Torgov St. Farb's Day I seen plenty of cops drive Mercedes. The ones that're on the take.
See also: on, take
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary

on the take

mod. taking bribes. (Underworld.) Everyone in city hall is on the take.
See also: on, take
McGraw-Hill's Dictionary of American Slang and Colloquial Expressions

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
American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition.
See also:
  • on the buroo
  • be on the take
  • claim check
  • acknowledge (the) receipt of (something)
  • acknowledge receipt of
  • receipt
  • in receipt of
  • in receipt of (something)
  • don't cut no ice
  • on the dole