# touch the hem of someone's garment

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/touch-the-hem-of-someones-garment
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

To give respect or reverence to someone; to express servitude to someone; to draw strength or comfort from someone who is superior.

## Examples

- He feels he cannot even touch the hem of his mentor's garment.
- I only want to touch the hem of the doctor's garment for advice.
- You touch the hem of his garment when you follow his wise lead.
- The young musician was so humble that he claimed he could not touch the hem of his teacher's garment.
- Fans waited outside the stadium for hours just to touch the hem of the champion's garment as she walked to her car.
- The new employees act as if they are lucky to touch the hem of the CEO's garment during the annual meeting.
- In the presence of the legendary poet, the aspiring writer felt as though he were barely worthy to touch the hem of her garment.

## Origin

A biblical allusion to Matthew 9:20, in which a woman is cured of an issue of blood after touching the hem of Christ’s garment. The expression entered English as a reference to the belief that even the physical edges of a holy person's clothing might transmit restorative power.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.