tap up

1. To attempt to persuade a professional athlete to transfer to a different team, especially without the permission or knowledge of the player's existing team. A noun or pronoun can be used between "tap" and "up." The manager for Chelsea is being scrutinized by UEFA officials over allegations of tapping up the talented forward while he was still under contract with Arsenal. They are one of the few leagues who haven't banned clubs from tapping players up without going through the formal transfer process.

2. To offer someone a position in one's company; to recruit someone. A noun or pronoun can be used between "tap" and "up." We're always looking to tap up the best and brightest computer engineers to help make our app stand out above the competition. The law firm recently tapped me up, offering me a job that pays nearly twice my current one.

3. To ask someone to provide one with something as a favor. A noun or pronoun can be used between "tap" and "up." Usually followed by "for." Stop tapping me up for money. You already owe me $500! Why don't you tap up your brother for a ride to the city? If you ever need help with this, don't hesitate to tap me up.