# rub shoulders

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/rub-shoulders
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

To associate closely; to socialize or mingle.

## Examples

- You can rub shoulders with famous people at this club.
- The conference gave students a chance to rub shoulders with experts in their field.
- During his time in the capital, he frequently rubbed shoulders with diplomats and politicians, hoping to secure a position in the new administration.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.