Phrase guide

rub elbows

verb · 1 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

Each Play button uses your device's default local English voice, or a natural local fallback. The selected voice name appears after playback. This is synthesized speech, not a source recording.

  • rŭb′ ĕl′bōz′
  • Received-Pronunciation: /ˌɹʌb ˈɛlˌbəʊ̯z/
  • Canada, General-American: /ˌɹʌb ˈɛlˌboʊ̯z/
  • Australian: /ˌɹɐb ˈelˌbəʉ̯z/
  • Australia: Recorded audio is listed in the source snapshot.
  • New-Zealand: /ˌɹɐb ˈelˌbɐʉ̯z/
  • Scotland: /ˌɹʌb ˈɛlˌboz/
  • India: /ˌɾəb ˈɛlˌboːz/

1

verb

Meaning 1

To associate closely; to consort, mingle, or socialize.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: US, idiomatic, intransitive

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: rub shoulders, hobnob

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

From rub + elbows, suggesting people standing so close together that their elbows touch.