rub shoulders

rub shoulders

To interact or mingle (with a person or group of people). I don't want to go to the gala tonight, but my wife is eager to rub shoulders with the upper crust. After rubbing shoulders for so long, I was ready to head back home and have some time to myself.

See also: rub, shoulder

rub shoulders with (someone)

To meet and spend time in a social environment with one who is noteworthy, famous, or important. I heard you were rubbing shoulders with the governor last Saturday. These conferences always have a meet-and-greet portion so you get a chance to rub shoulders with the heads of the tech industry.

See also: rub, shoulder

Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.

rub shoulders

associate or come into contact with another person.

A US variant of this expression is rub elbows .

1943 Graham Greene The Ministry of Fear It wasn't exactly a criminal world, though eddying along its dim and muted corridors you might possibly rub shoulders with genteel forgers.

See also: rub, shoulder

Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017

rub ˈshoulders (with somebody)

(American English also rub ˈelbows (with somebody)) (informal) meet and spend time with rich or famous people, socially or as part of your job: I used to rub shoulders with some very wealthy people when I worked in banking.

See also: rub, shoulder

Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017