Stepping into a room full of influential people can feel like entering a buzzing hive of opportunity. Moments like that make the idiom “rub elbows with” instantly relatable. In this post, I’ll walk you through its meaning, origin, and practical examples you can use right away.
Meaning of “Rub Elbows With”
To rub elbows with someone means to spend time, interact, or socialize closely with them—often people who are notable, influential, or part of a particular group.
Common nuances:
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To mingle or socialize in close proximity.
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To associate with important or well-connected individuals.
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To be part of a certain social circle, whether temporary or ongoing.
Quick summary:
“Rub elbows with” = being in close contact or socializing with specific people, often influential ones.
Origin of “Rub Elbows With”
The idiom dates back to the late 1800s and early 1900s, a time when social gatherings were packed and personal space was almost nonexistent. In crowded events, people naturally ended up literally rubbing elbows as they moved or stood together.
Most language historians agree that the phrase grew from this physical closeness and evolved into a metaphor for mixing with certain groups, especially the elite or well-known. While the exact first printed use is unclear, it became widely recognized in American English during the 20th century.
Examples in Sentences
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During the conference, she managed to rub elbows with several industry leaders.
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He bragged about rubbing elbows with celebrities at the film festival.
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Employees will rub elbows with senior executives during the annual company retreat.
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We ended up rubbing elbows with locals at the tiny café, and it made the trip unforgettable.
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Journalists often rub elbows with politicians while covering national events.
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She loves rubbing elbows with creative people because it inspires her projects.
Similar Idioms or Phrases
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Mingle with – to socialize casually within a group.
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Run in the same circles – to belong to the same social or professional group.
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Rub shoulders with – almost identical in meaning, also about close interaction with notable people.
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Keep company with – to associate or spend time with someone.
I enjoy using this idiom when describing moments that feel unexpectedly special. There’s something fun about saying you rubbed elbows with someone you admire—it captures both the closeness and the excitement. It’s casual yet vivid, which is probably why I use it more often than I expect.
The idiom “rub elbows with” paints a colorful picture of social closeness, from everyday mingling to brushing shoulders with VIPs. Now that you know its meaning, roots, and usage, try slipping it into your next conversation or post. Ready for more idioms? Stick around and explore the next one with me!