rub elbows with

Idioms

Also, rub shoulders with. Mix or socialize with, as in There's nothing like rubbing elbows with the rich and famous, or At the reception diplomats were rubbing shoulders with heads of state. Both of these terms allude to being in close contact with someone. [Mid-1800s]

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

The drinks don’t flow, members don’t rub elbows with notable people and chefs aren’t filling plates with tasty bites.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 26, 2026

On Thursday, he’ll rub elbows with voters at the Red Arrow Diner in Manchester, New Hampshire, which is a must-stop for candidates circulating through the first-in-the-nation primary state.

From Washington Times • Apr. 11, 2023

There, young students could rub elbows with renowned scientists at work and be inspired by science, particularly astronomy.

From New York Times • Oct. 28, 2022

Epstein and Maxwell, his ex-girlfriend, were known to rub elbows with celebrities, royals, supermodels, the ultra-wealthy and former presidents.

From Fox News • Jan. 17, 2022

When forced to rub elbows with us boys, he put on superior airs.

From "The Shakespeare Stealer" by Gary L. Blackwood

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023