palm

Universal Words noun, verb noun 1 the inner surface of the hand between the wrist and the fingers: He held the bird gently in the palm of his hand. * sweaty palms * to read sb's palm (= to say what will happen to sb by looking at the lines on their palm) 2 (also palm tree) a straight tree with a mass of long leaves at the top, growing in tropical countries. There are several types of palm tree, some of which produce fruit: a date palm * a coconut palm * palm leaves / fronds / groves IDIOMS have sb in the palm of your hand to have complete control or influence over sb: Even before he plays a note, he has the audience in the palm of his hand. moreatCROSSv., GREASEv. verb [VN] to hide a coin, card, etc. in your hand, especially when performing a trick PHRASALVERBS palm sb<->off (with sth) (informal) to persuade sb to believe an excuse or an explanation that is not true, in order to stop them asking questions or complaining palm sth<->off (on / onto sb)