belly up to the bar
Sidle up close
To belly up to the bar is to approach a bar counter and stand close enough that your belly nearly touches it, ready to order a drink.
The phrase suggests confident, sociable drinking—walking up and claiming your spot: He bellied up to the bar and ordered a whiskey.
Sometimes used figuratively for approaching any situation with readiness.
- pull up a chairInvitation to sit nearby
- bar stoolTall seat at counters
- pubLicensed drinking establishment
- tavernPublic drinking establishment
- neighborhood barNearby casual drinking establishment
counter · saloon · camaraderie · revelry · drink · pint · on the rocks · knuckle down · face the music · cocktail · toast · raise a glass · socialize · whiskey · bite the bullet · rise to the occasion · bartender · stool
physical approach vs. distance
belly up to the barkeep one's distance
Remain apart from others
hang back · walk away · keep to oneself · step back · stand apart