What does “Rub shoulders” mean?
"Rub shoulders" means to spend time with or be in the company of important or influential people.
What context can I use the in?
Example
At the gala, I had the opportunity to rub shoulders with some of the biggest names in the industry.
Example
He's always attending high-profile events, constantly rubbing shoulders with the elite.
Example
She was thrilled to rub shoulders with her favorite celebrity at the charity event
Is “Rub shoulders” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“Rub shoulders” is a proverb. A proverb is a short saying that teaches us something important or gives us advice. Unlike an idiom, it’s easy to understand even if it uses figurative language.
How would I use “Rub shoulders” effectively in context?
You can use "Rub Shoulders" to describe the act of spending time with or being in the company of important or influential people. It implies being in close proximity to individuals who hold power, status, or fame. For example, if someone attends a high-profile event and interacts with celebrities or industry leaders, you might say, 'He had the opportunity to rub shoulders with some of the biggest names in the industry.'
- 1Networking
At the conference, she made sure to rub shoulders with key industry professionals to expand her network.
- 2Social Events
He loves attending parties and events where he can rub shoulders with influential people.
- 3Career Advancement
She knew that in order to progress in her career, she needed to rub shoulders with decision-makers and industry experts.
Similar phrases to “Rub shoulders”:
To associate or socialize with influential or important people
Example
He loves hobnobbing with celebrities at exclusive events.
Rub elbows
To spend time with or be in the company of important or influential people
Example
She was thrilled to rub elbows with her favorite author at the book signing.
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “Rub shoulders” come from?
The origin of the phrase "Rub Shoulders" is unknown.
Is “Rub shoulders” common in everyday conversation?
Yes, "Rub Shoulders" is a commonly used expression in everyday conversation. People often use it to describe socializing or networking with important or influential individuals.
What tone does “Rub shoulders” have?
"Rub Shoulders" conveys a tone of excitement and opportunity. It suggests being in the presence of esteemed individuals and highlights the potential benefits of such interactions.
Can “Rub shoulders” be used in informal and formal settings?
Yes, "Rub Shoulders" can be used in both informal and formal settings. It's a versatile expression that describes socializing with influential people. You can use it in casual conversations with friends or colleagues, as well as in more formal situations such as business events or professional networking.
Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?
It's commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'He had the opportunity to rub shoulders with industry leaders.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'Time to "rub shoulders"!' to imply excitement about attending an event with influential individuals.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
- socialize with the elite
- network with influential individuals
- interact with important people
- associate with high-profile individuals
Antonyms
- keep to oneself
- avoid socializing
- stay away from influential circles
- isolate oneself from important people
