Rub elbows meaning in English

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Definition

to rub elbows (at a party): to mix with, to talk to, to socialize with (people at a party) idiom
Literally, to rub elbows means "to touch together the middle joint of the arm"
This is the type of party where people come just to rub elbows with the rich and famous.

Examples

  • "Tropez, rubbing elbows with Russian tycoons and brushing bums with Brazilian bombshells."
  • "I'll keep this brief, because I know that we all want to rub elbows and taste my wife's delicious spinach soufflé."
Exercise 1
"To rub elbows" is an idiom which means .
"To rub elbows" is an idiom which means to socialize .
to socialize : This is the correct choice. "To rub elbows" is an idiom which means to socialize or "network" with other people at a social function or event, usually with important people, celebrities or politicians.
to touch one's underarms: This is a literal interpretation of this phrase, and it is not the best choice. This is actually an idiom which means to talk with people.
to have a drink: This choice is incorrect. Although drinking is a common occurrence at parties and social gatherings, the idiom "to rub elbows" means something else entirely.
to leave the party early: This choice is incorrect. "To rub elbows" means to socialize, talk and network, it does not mean to leave the party early.
to dance: Although some people use their elbows to dance, this is not the best choice here.
to eat copiously at the buffet: This is not what the mayor is saying, although he does encourage his guests to try the food afterwards. "To rub elbows" is an expression which means to talk or socialize.

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