ENGLISH
REFERENCE

rub shoulders

idiom
Meaning

To associate closely; to socialize or mingle.


Examples
SIMPLE

You can rub shoulders with famous people at this club.

CONTEXTUAL

The conference gave students a chance to rub shoulders with experts in their field.

COMPLEX

During his time in the capital, he frequently rubbed shoulders with diplomats and politicians, hoping to secure a position in the new administration.

Anchors to
Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    broad shoulders

    the ability to take criticism, or accept responsibility.

  2. 02

    dwarf standing on the shoulders of giants

    One who discovers by building on previous discoveries.

  3. 03

    good head on one's shoulders

    intelligent or shrewd; have good sense or judgement

  4. 04

    head and shoulders

    To a considerable degree.

  5. 05

    old head on young shoulders

    Alternative form of good head on one's shoulders.

  6. 06

    rub down

    To rub from top to bottom, e.g. for cleaning, stripping paint or massage.

  7. 07

    rub elbows

    To associate closely; to consort, mingle, or socialize.

  8. 08

    rub in

    To make a point in an irritatingly emphatic manner.

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