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Thread: To rub elbows with someone

  1. #1
    Olenek's Avatar
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    Default To rub elbows with someone

    Hi everybody!

    To rub elbows with someone (AmE) = To rub shoulders with someone (BrE) mean "to associate with someone; to work closely with someone"

    Do you know another phrase with this meaning?

    Thanks!

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    Default Re: To rub elbows with someone

    Quote Originally Posted by Olenek View Post
    Hi everybody!

    To rub elbows with someone (AmE) = To rub shoulders with someone (BrE) mean "to associate with someone; to work closely with someone"

    Do you know another phrase with this meaning?

    Thanks!
    IMO, to "rub shoulders" is more common in AmE than "rub elbows."
    I've never heard this phrase in the context of work. It usually refers to a relationship or association with "insiders."
    How about "to be in with the in-crowd?"
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    Default Re: To rub elbows with someone

    Quote Originally Posted by riquecohen View Post
    How about "to be in with the in-crowd?"
    I like it!

    Is it popular in mass media?

    And what would you say about: "Hob-nob with someone"?
    Last edited by Olenek; 21-Apr-2011 at 10:15.

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    Tdol is online now Editor, UsingEnglish.com
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    Default Re: To rub elbows with someone

    We use that in BrE.
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    Default Re: To rub elbows with someone

    Quote Originally Posted by Olenek View Post
    I like it!

    Is it popular in mass media?

    A bit dated, I think. There was a pop song in the '60s with the line 'I'm in with the in-crowd'.

    And what would you say about: "Hob-nob with someone"?
    My impression is that hob-nobbing goes with social-climbing - that is, people hob-nob with more fashionable people, hoping that some of the star-dust will rub off.

    b
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    Default Re: To rub elbows with someone

    My youngers (i.e. nearly everybody) 'hang out' with people. Sounds risky to me.
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    Default Re: To rub elbows with someone

    Quote Originally Posted by fivejedjon View Post
    My youngers (i.e. nearly everybody) 'hang out' with people. Sounds risky to me.
    As your (much much) younger, I must tell you that you don't need to be close to someone to hang out with them.

  8. #8
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    Default Re: To rub elbows with someone

    Quote Originally Posted by Olenek View Post
    I like it!

    Is it popular in mass media?

    And what would you say about: "Hob-nob with someone"?
    I have been known to use "hob-nob." I can't really say whether it's popular with younger people.
    "In with the in-crowd" is usually uttered with tongue in cheek.
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    freezeframe is offline Key Member
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    Default Re: To rub elbows with someone

    If you're close with someone you say "we're tight".
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