rub elbows

[lgrippin]

what is the origin of the phrase "rub elbows with someone"?

[Quizmonster]

The original version was British English 'rub shoulders with', which became in American English 'rub elbows with'. Clearly, both are just a reference to people being close together. In physical terms, that might mean shoulders and elbows are actually in contact...in metaphorical terms, it might suggest that people were in close agreement.

[Octavius]

If you do rub shoulders with someone, make sure you don't rub them up the wrong way.

[Narolines]

Aye, there's the rub......