tickle the wire
To create a situation that will encourage the target of a criminal probe to speak and divulge information on a wiretapped telephone.
Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
“The detectives hope to tickle the wire to get a confession.”
“The lead investigator decided to tickle the wire by leaking false information to the suspect's associate.”
“By planting a rumor about the missing funds, the agents successfully tickled the wire, prompting the nervous suspect to reveal his location during the recorded call.”
- 01
down to the wire
At the very end of a process or project, especially one with a fast-approaching deadline.
- 02
get one's wires crossed
To get confused or mixed up about another person's intentions; to misunderstand one another.
- 03
slap and tickle
Mild or playful kissing, cuddling, and other amorous play.
- 04
tickle pink
To thoroughly delight or amuse; to elate.
- 05
tickle someone's funny bone
To amuse someone.
- 06
tickle someone's pickle
To amuse or astonish someone.
- 07
tickle the dragon's tail
To do something that has a risk of going catastrophically wrong.
- 08
tickle the ear
To flatter someone.
Last updated August 10, 2026