[Idiom] To rub elbows with someone

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Olenek

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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!
 

riquecohen

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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?"
 

Olenek

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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"?
 
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Tdol

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We use that in BrE.
 

BobK

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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
 

5jj

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My youngers (i.e. nearly everybody) 'hang out' with people. Sounds risky to me.
 

freezeframe

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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. :-D
 

riquecohen

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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.
 

freezeframe

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