sharp elbows
A willingness to sacrifice others to advance one's own ambitions.
Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
“She uses sharp elbows to get the best office.”
“He has sharp elbows and will do anything to get that promotion.”
“In the competitive world of corporate law, those with sharp elbows often rise to the top while others are left behind.”
- 01
bend one's elbow
To drink alcoholic beverages, especially at a public house or bar.
- 02
elbow grease
Effort or hard work, especially physical work involving repeated motion of the forearm, such as scrubbing.
- 03
elbow mentality
An attitude characterized by self-interest and a willingness to prioritize personal benefit or ambition, often above the welfare of an organization or community; a willingness to elbow (verb) past others.
- 04
rub elbows
To associate closely; to consort, mingle, or socialize.
- 05
sharp cookie
One who is intelligent, bright, or sharp; especially, one who can identify attempts to deceive or mislead.
- 06
sharp tongue
The practice or characteristic of speaking to others in a harsh, critical, or insulting manner.
Last updated August 10, 2026