english
1
general::
Phrase(s): on the take taking bribes. (Underworld.) • I heard that the mayor is on the take. • Everyone in city hall is on the take.
McGrawhill's American Idioms And Phrasal Verbs
2
general::
Accepting bribes or other illegal income, as in The commission found a number of police officers on the take. [Colloquial; first half of 1900s]
American Heritage Idioms