They often rub elbows with famous people.
rub elbows
idiomTo associate closely; to consort, mingle, or socialize.
Origin
disputed originFrom rub + elbows, suggesting people standing so close together that their elbows touch.
At the charity gala, you have the chance to rub elbows with local business leaders.
The young politician attended the exclusive summit specifically to rub elbows with influential diplomats and secure support for his new policy.
- 01
rub down
To rub from top to bottom, e.g. for cleaning, stripping paint or massage.
- 02
rub in
To make a point in an irritatingly emphatic manner.
- 03
rub it in
To add insult to injury; to emphasize one's strengths or another's weaknesses in a manner that degrades another.
- 04
rub off
To be transferred with little or no effort.
- 05
rub off on
To be acquired by or transferred to (someone) as a result of regular exposure.
- 06
rub one's hands together
To anticipate something eagerly.
- 07
rub salt in someone's wounds
To make a painful situation even worse (even with the best of intentions).
- 08
rub salt in the wound
To aggravate or exacerbate a physical or emotional injury.