have sharp elbows

have sharp elbows

To be especially aggressive in the advancement of one's own interests, usually while ignoring how doing so affects other people. Holly has always had sharp elbows, so I'm not surprised she undermined you to get that promotion. You've got to have sharp elbows if you want to get ahead in this industry. After you've been ignored at your job long enough, you learn to have sharp elbows.

See also: elbow, have, sharp

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