General
in his pocket
What does in his pocket mean?
When a defender marks an attacker so effectively that the opponent barely gets a kick.
"The winger was quiet all game — the full-back had him in his pocket."
Origin
British slang for having someone under total control.
Frequently asked questions
What does 'in his pocket' mean in football?
It means a defender has completely nullified an attacker, marking them so tightly that the opponent barely influences the game — the defender has them fully under control.
How do you use 'in his pocket'?
You say a defender 'had him in his pocket' when they dominated their direct opponent for the whole match, keeping them quiet and ineffective.
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