English

Verb

corner the market

1. (idiomatic, business, finance) To monopolize a resource or commodity, as with the intent of driving up prices.
   • 1903, Frank Norris, The Pit, ch. 7,

     "Why, there ain't going to be any wheat left in Chicago by May! If I get in now and buy a long line of cash wheat, where are all these fellows who've sold short going to get it to deliver to me?" . . . Jadwin sprang forward, gripping the broker by the shoulder. "Sam," he shouted, ". . . we can corner the market!"

2. (idiomatic, by extension) To have exclusive possession; to possess something to a high or excessive degree.
   • 1916, Elbert Hubbard, Little Journeys, "Vol. 12: Great Scientists—John Tyndall,"

     It will not do to say that the Irish have a monopoly on stupidity, yet there have been times when I thought they nearly cornered the market.