in the pocket
Under control, assured
In the pocket describes a state of perfect rhythmic synchronization, especially among musicians playing together.
When a band is in the pocket, every player locks into the groove with precision and feel: The rhythm section was deep in the pocket all night.
The phrase extends beyond music to mean performing at peak effectiveness, everything clicking into place: After a rough start, the quarterback got in the pocket and didn't miss a throw.
- grooveNarrow cut or routine
- on the beatActively working patrol duty
- tightFirmly stretched or fitting
- lockedFastened with a mechanism
- locked inFirmly committed, unchangeable
money · cash · money clip · billfold · wallet · rhythm · synced · in sync · dialed · nailed · secure · stashed · hidden · poolside · snug · timing · feel · swing
- rhythmbeat, pulse, tempo, downbeat, upbeat
- Funkfunk, P-Funk, Funkadelic, George Clinton, James Brown
- jazz slangaxe, cat, chops, gig, lick
- flow stateflow, in the zone, hyperfocus, locked in, tunnel vision
in the pocketup for grabs
Open for claiming
up in the air · uncertain · touch and go · in doubt · contested
in the pocketoff the beat
out of time · sloppy · rushing · dragging · out of sync
in the pocketout of pocket
Paid from personal funds
broke · in the red · strapped · in the hole · cash-strapped