PhrasesHub

rubbed shoulders with

    Definitions

      • to have social interaction with someone influential or important
        To indicate that someone has spent time in the company of people who hold power, authority, or influence

      • to be in close proximity to someone
        To suggest that two people were physically close or in the same location, often in a crowded or busy setting

    Examples of rubbed shoulders with

    • The CEO of our company once rubbed shoulders with the top executives of a Fortune 500 corporation during a business conference.

      This idiom means that the CEO had the opportunity to interact and network with highly successful and influential people in the same industry. In other words, they literally touched elbows or shoulders while standing close to each other.

    • At a music festival, I rubbed shoulders with some famous musicians backstage.

      This idiom is commonly used in social contexts to describe spending time with well-known people, often at events or gatherings. The phrase suggests that the speaker had the chance to connect with popular individuals in a casual and informal setting.

    • During my time working in the Senate, I rubbed shoulders with some prominent politicians.

      This idiom can also refer to professional networking, indicating that the speaker was able to build relationships with influential individuals in their field. This could lead to potential career opportunities or further advancement in their profession.

    • At a local charity event, I was thrilled to rub shoulders with some community leaders and philanthropists.

      This example demonstrates the versatility of the idiom, as it can be used in a variety of settings, from business conferences to social gatherings to charity events, to describe being in close proximity to notable figures. The phrase suggests that the speaker had the chance to interact informally with these individuals and forge connections.

    • Jennifer Aniston once rubbed shoulders with President Obama at a fundraising gala in New York City.

      This idiom is used to describe a situation where two people, who are typically influential or high-profile, come into close contact with each other, signifying an opportunity for networking or collaboration. In other words, "rubbed shoulders with" suggests that Jennifer Aniston had the opportunity to interact with the President in a social setting, which could potentially lead to future connections or opportunities.

    • Jane Smith, a well-known entrepreneur, rubbed shoulders with some of the biggest names in business at the annual industry conference.

      This idiom is used to describe a situation where two people, in this case Jane Smith and the famous businesspeople, have been in close proximity and interacted with each other in some way. It suggests that Jane Smith has had the opportunity to network and possibly learn valuable insights from these influential figures in her industry.

    • As a member of the orchestra, John regularly rubbed shoulders with world-renowned musicians during rehearsals and performances.

      This example illustrates how the idiom can be applied in different contexts beyond business. Here, it implies that John has had the pleasure of working alongside esteemed musicians, potentially learning from and collaborating with them.

    • After winning the prestigious award, Mary found herself rubbing shoulders with other accomplished individuals in her field at several events and ceremonies.

      In this case, the idiom highlights the fact that Mary's success has granted her access to the same events as other distinguished individuals in her profession, allowing her to expand her professional network and potentially create new opportunities for herself.


    Conclusion

    The idiom "rubbed shoulders with" can be used to convey two main ideas: having social interactions with influential individuals and being physically close to someone. In the first context, it highlights the opportunity to spend time with people of importance. In the second context, it emphasizes the closeness or proximity between individuals.

    In everyday conversations, this idiom is often used figuratively to describe encounters with notable personalities or to highlight close physical proximity. It can be used to convey experiences of meeting influential people or being in close quarters with others in social situations. Overall, "rubbed shoulders with" is a versatile idiom that can be applied to various scenarios involving social interactions and physical closeness.

    Origin of "rubbed shoulders with"

    The origin of the idiom "rubbed shoulders with" can be traced back to the physical act of rubbing shoulders with someone. The phrase likely originated from the idea that when people are in close proximity to each other, their shoulders may come into contact or brush against each other. This physical closeness may have been interpreted as a symbol of social interaction or connection.

    Over time, the literal meaning of physically rubbing shoulders with someone evolved into a figurative expression to signify social interactions with influential individuals. The idiom gained popularity as a metaphorical way to describe encounters with important or powerful people. Today, "rubbed shoulders with" is commonly used to convey both social interactions with influential individuals and physical closeness to others in various contexts.