press flesh

press (the) flesh

To meet, talk to, and shake hands with many different people. Used especially in reference to a politician running for office. There's no way you'll win the election if you aren't out pressing the flesh among your constituents. I've always been something of a germophobe, so I don't like pressing flesh with strangers.
See also: flesh, press
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

press (the) flesh

Sl. to shake hands. Hey, chum! Glad to press flesh with you! He wanted to press the flesh, but I refused even to touch him.
See also: flesh, press
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.

press (the) flesh

(of a celebrity or politician) greet people by shaking hands. informal, chiefly North American
2000 New Yorker Clinton seemed…a figure from the past—a politician made to press the flesh, to give speeches in large halls and negotiate with his opponents in small rooms.
See also: flesh, press
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary

ˌpress (the) ˈflesh

(of a famous person or a politician) shake hands with members of the public, especially in order to persuade them to vote for you: The presidential candidates were out on the streets again today, smiling for the cameras and pressing the flesh.
See also: flesh, press
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary

press flesh

verb
See press the flesh
See also: flesh, press
McGraw-Hill's Dictionary of American Slang and Colloquial Expressions
See also:
  • press (the) flesh
  • press the flesh
  • presser
  • flesh-presser
  • press the flesh, to
  • shake hands with the unemployed
  • Shake it up!
  • shake up
  • shook up
  • shake (one's) booty
References in periodicals archive
The inspiring ceremony was marred slightly when he lingered to press flesh with the parents as well.
Slow learners
It is hoped, however, Robert De Niro will soon follow suit and press flesh with his adoring public.
How I help fans to get face-to-Scarface with their Hollywood hero; From Pacino to Schwarzenegger... Meet the Midland businesswoman arranging the ultimate in meet and greet packages for starstruck fans
The Pope's personal style, his definition of "papal outreach," doesn't help this "security nightmare" any, as he is known to wade into a crowd and press flesh. Known for eschewing protocol when it comes to security matters, the Pope has been described as "unpredictable," which may well also describe Filipinos who proudly hoist the "uzisero" (kibitzer) flag in crowd situations.
A question of security
His biggest fan, pop singer Britney Spears, has still failed to press flesh with Wills.
William finds peace as he leaves his teens behind; He was the shy boy prince, but at 20 he's the man who would be king
But be warned: press flesh with the latter and you may never be able to take a selfie again.
FAME AND FORTUNE! Ex-showjumper gets you close to Hollywood stars - for PS2,000
It was like trying to get them to press flesh with Osama bin Laden.
Bush will launch an attack on Iraq by November.. so has a successor already been lined up, and what has he been promised?; on why Tony Blair and Jack Straw must do the decent thing and answer such vital questions