rub shoulders

Related to rub shoulders: off chance, out of kilter, without a hitch, rub shoulders with someone

rub shoulders

To interact or mingle (with a person or group of people). I don't want to go to the gala tonight, but my wife is eager to rub shoulders with the upper crust. After rubbing shoulders for so long, I was ready to head back home and have some time to myself.
See also: rub, shoulder

rub shoulders with (someone)

To meet and spend time in a social environment with one who is noteworthy, famous, or important. I heard you were rubbing shoulders with the governor last Saturday. These conferences always have a meet-and-greet portion so you get a chance to rub shoulders with the heads of the tech industry.
See also: rub, shoulder
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

rub shoulders

associate or come into contact with another person.
A US variant of this expression is rub elbows .
1943 Graham Greene The Ministry of Fear It wasn't exactly a criminal world, though eddying along its dim and muted corridors you might possibly rub shoulders with genteel forgers.
See also: rub, shoulder
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary

rub ˈshoulders (with somebody)

(American English also rub ˈelbows (with somebody)) (informal) meet and spend time with rich or famous people, socially or as part of your job: I used to rub shoulders with some very wealthy people when I worked in banking.
See also: rub, shoulder
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
See also:
  • rub shoulders with (someone)
  • rub
  • rub elbows
  • rub elbows with
  • rub elbows with (someone)
  • rub elbows with someone
  • hunch (one's)/the shoulders up
  • hunch up (one's)/the shoulders
  • rub elbows with, to
  • manner born
References in periodicals archive
RUB SHOULDERS WITH: Hugh Grant, Sean Connery and Jodie Kidd, who celebrated her birthday there.
RUB SHOULDERS WITH: London restaurant critics with a day return ticket.
TRAVEL: SIMPLY THE BEST; It was a daunting task - bouncing on mattresses, sipping fine wine and scoffing cream teas in 8,000 hotels, pubs and restaurants across Britain. But AA inspectors emerged triumphant with the country's top places to eat, drink and sleep. Here they are..
But the price has soared due to the booming property market, renovation work and the chance to rub shoulders with stars.
pounds 1m buys a Big Yin next door
Then it's on to Planet Hollywood for a delicious slap-up meal and more star spotting, where they can rub shoulders with Sporty, Baby, Posh, Scary and Ginger and their celebrity guests.
Sporty Spice No.2
The young hopefuls can also rub shoulders with chart-topping band Blazin' Squad at the audition.
Modellingbig break
Fergie was off on the freebie trail again yesterday - flying 6000 miles to drink champagne and rub shoulders with the rich and famous.
Fergie's fly party
The self-penned songs rub shoulders with the adaptations so well it's often hard to tell what's past, what's present and what's future.
music: folk & roots; ISOBEL CAMPBELL Milk White Sheets (V2)
The event, in the Natural History Museum, saw her rub shoulders with some of the world's best entertainers - and she certainly didn't disappoint.
SAM STEPS IN FOR U2
Rangers will rub shoulders with the cream of European football in today's Champions League draw.
Milan a league apart
Self-penned cuts rub shoulders with covers of Dylan's Well Well Well, Paul Simon's One Trick Pony and a rousing Gallows Pole, giving Page and Plant a run for their money.
music: folk & roots; JOE BROWN Down To Earth (Track)
Rub shoulders on-line with the stars of the Britpack on Saturday night at the launch party for the new FilmFour Channel.
Carol Vorderman's Internet Column: New FilmFour channel
Guests will even have the opportunity to rub shoulders with the voice of Formula One motor racing, the Birmingham-born commentator Murray Walker.
Car boss takes to the sea
SOUL and country rub shoulders, with tracks by Bobby Womack, Johnny Cash, Randy Crawford, Bloodstone, The Delfonics and even the movie's star, Pam Grier.
Jackie's a mind-blower; Soundtracks