rub shoulders
Mix with others
Rub shoulders means to associate or mingle, especially with people of higher status or different backgrounds: She rubbed shoulders with celebrities at the gala.
The image is of being close enough in a crowd that shoulders touch.
Also rub elbows.
The phrase usually implies proximity without deep connection—you're in the same space, not necessarily friends.
- hobnobMingle in friendly conversation
- rub elbowsAssociate socially, informally
- fraternizeAssociate on friendly terms
- press the fleshGreet people personally
- mixCombine different elements
rub noses · socialize · schmooze · interact · mingle · break the ice · converse · engage · jostle · roll with · run in circles · high society · contact · network · rub up against · encounter · liaise · hang with
rub shouldersshun
Deliberately keep away
keep one's distance · avoid · steer clear of · stay away from · keep to oneself
shoulder, rubs, rubbed, rubbing, rubber, shoulders, shouldered, shouldering