rub elbows with (someone)

rub elbows with (someone)

To interact or mingle with a person or group. I don't want to go to the gala tonight, but my wife is eager to rub elbows with the upper class.
See also: elbow, rub
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

rub elbows with

Also, rub shoulders with. Mix or socialize with, as in There's nothing like rubbing elbows with the rich and famous, or At the reception diplomats were rubbing shoulders with heads of state. Both of these terms allude to being in close contact with someone. [Mid-1800s]
See also: elbow, rub
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer.

rub elbows with someone

AMERICAN
If you rub elbows with someone important or famous, you spend time with them. He rubbed elbows with his movie star clients and appeared on numerous TV talk shows. In the 10 years prior to that job, he rubbed elbows with dozens of political super-celebrities. Note: The usual British expression is rub shoulders with someone.
See also: elbow, rub, someone
Collins COBUILD Idioms Dictionary, 3rd ed.
See also:
  • rub
  • rub elbows
  • rub elbows with
  • rub elbows with someone
  • rub shoulders
  • rub shoulders with (someone)
  • rub up
  • rub elbows with, to
  • rub nose in it
  • rub someone's nose in something