cookie jar

American  

noun

1. a jar or other container for storing cookies.

2. such a container used for storing money.

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idioms

1. have one's hand in the cookie jar, to take or attempt to take advantage of one's position by demanding or accepting favors or bribes.

   They suspected the mayor's assistant had his hand in the cookie jar.

Etymology

Origin of cookie jar

An Americanism dating back to 1940–45

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

cookie jar

Ran economic blockades and encouraged American companies to treat the region’s riches, and its workers, like a cookie jar.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jan. 5, 2026

“It was like someone was stealing money from the cookie jar and they kept refilling it.”

From The Wall Street Journal ● Dec. 4, 2025

For markets, this is like stealing the last cookie in the cookie jar, getting caught red handed, and, instead of a good spanking, you get another cookie, with chocolate on.

From Reuters ● Feb. 2, 2023

So, Daisies and Brownies, listen up: there's a new flavor in the cookie jar for you to hawk — Raspberry Rally.

From Salon ● Aug. 18, 2022

A cookie jar once owned by Andy Warhol is a rare collectible.

From "Woe Is I" by Patricia T. O'Conner