press the flesh

press the flesh (mainly American, humorous)

if politicians or famous people press the flesh, they shake hands with the public. Even after 12 hours on the campaign trail, he was still meeting his supporters and pressing the flesh.

See also: flesh, press

---

press the flesh

to meet and talk with people. He believes he should get out and press the flesh if his campaign is going to succeed.

Etymology: based on the use of press the flesh to mean shake hands (= to take someone's hand in yours as a greeting)

See also: flesh, press