rub elbows

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rub elbows

To interact or mingle with a person or group. I don't want to go to the gala tonight, but my wife is eager to rub elbows with the upper class. I've been rubbing elbows all night, and now I'd like to just have some quiet time.
See also: elbow, rub
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2015 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.

rub elbows (with someone)

 and rub shoulders with someone
Fig. to associate with someone; to work closely with someone. (No physical contact is involved.) I don't care to rub elbows with someone who acts like that! I rub shoulders with John at work. We are good friends.
See also: elbow, rub
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.

rub

elbows/shoulders
To mix or socialize closely: diplomats rubbing elbows with heads of state.
American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright © 2016 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
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References in periodicals archive ?
RUB SHOULDERS WITH: Dawn French and Lord Saatchi COST: A Croque Monsieur sandwich costs pounds 3.75 and cream tea pounds 6.75.
TRAVEL: SIMPLY THE BEST; It was a daunting task - bouncing on mattresses, sipping fine wine and scoffing cream teas in 8,000 hotels, pubs and restaurants across Britain. But AA inspectors emerged triumphant with the country's top places to eat, drink and sleep. Here they are..
The Robinson house in Ramsay Street is up for sale and the buyer will have to chance to rub shoulders with the stars of Aussie soap Neighbours which is filmed in the street.
House for sale with great Neighbours
Hence band hallmarks Heat Of The Moment and Only Time Will Tell rub shoulders with ELP's Fanfare For The Common Man, Yes fan favourite Roundabout, King Crimson's In The Court Of The Crimson King and, unfortunately, Buggles' Video Killed The Radio Star.
play: ASIA Fantasia Live In Tokyo (Eagle)
These days you are more likely to rub shoulders with the celebrities, pop stars and tycoons who mingle in the area's pricey boutiques.
STARS MOVE IN ON SMART SET
We're flying them to London to rub shoulders with the rich and famous at the glitzy premiere at The Empire in Leicester Square, London.
Sporty Spice No.2
The self-penned songs rub shoulders with the adaptations so well it's often hard to tell what's past, what's present and what's future.
music: folk & roots; ISOBEL CAMPBELL Milk White Sheets (V2)
Here's a chance for you and a pal to rub shoulders with the stars at Depeche Mode's launch of their new album Ultra next week.
WIN LAUNCH TICKETS
Self-penned cuts rub shoulders with covers of Dylan's Well Well Well, Paul Simon's One Trick Pony and a rousing Gallows Pole, giving Page and Plant a run for their money.
music: folk & roots; JOE BROWN Down To Earth (Track)
Fergie was off on the freebie trail again yesterday - flying 6000 miles to drink champagne and rub shoulders with the rich and famous.
Fergie's fly party
Guests will even have the opportunity to rub shoulders with the voice of Formula One motor racing, the Birmingham-born commentator Murray Walker.
Car boss takes to the sea
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