touch the hem of someone's garment

== English == === Alternative forms === kiss someone's hem, kiss the hem of someone's garment, touch someone's hem, touch someone's robe, touch the hem of someone's robe === Etymology === An allusion to the Biblical tale (Matthew 9:20) of the woman who was cured of disease when she touched the hem of Christ's garment. === Pronunciation === === Verb === touch the hem of someone's garment (third-person singular simple present touches the hem of someone's garment, present participle touching the hem of someone's garment, simple past and past participle touched the hem of someone's garment) (idiomatic) To give respect or reverence to someone; to express servitude to someone; to draw strength or comfort from someone who is superior. === See also === kiss someone's ring