rub shoulders with

phrase

informal

: to meet and talk with (someone) in a friendly way

The awards dinner gave me the opportunity to rub shoulders with some of today's greatest American poets.

Examples of rub shoulders with in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Your selections must be lively enough to enjoy as guests work their way through charcuterie, balanced enough to play well with turkey, and versatile enough to rub shoulders with dessert. — Sam Stone, Bon Appetit Magazine, 2 Nov. 2026

These hostesses greased the gears of power in the capital, and an invitation to their dinners was a chance to rub shoulders with Cabinet members and ambassadors and, occasionally, a bona fide celebrity. — Aidan McLaughlin, Vanity Fair, 8 Oct. 2026

Outside the classroom, CWI students will rub shoulders with industry pros and new hires, Dillard said. — Mark Dee, Idaho Statesman, 25 Aug. 2026

Of any author, count on Zadie Smith to rub shoulders with a pop star once ten years ago and then get invited to their wedding. — Julia Hass, Literary Hub, 7 July 2026