Keep your fingers wet

Husband and wife are discussing plans after she retires.  He says that since she knows a lot of people she should keep her fingers wet.  This is a nice mash up of “get (one’s) feet wet” (start a new activity or job) and “have a finger in the pie” (to be involved in something).  “Finger on the pulse” (continuing to monitor something) may also be in the mix, as the discussion concerned continuing to stay in touch.  I think “pie” is probably the one, though, as putting fingers in a pie does make them wet.  A big thanks to Barbara Artuso for hearing this one and passing it on!