elbow
B1Neutral
Definition
Meaning
The joint between the upper and lower parts of the human arm, or the corresponding joint in an animal's foreleg.
A pipe fitting or other object shaped like or resembling this joint; also refers to the use of one's elbow to push, nudge, or strike.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily a noun denoting a body part. The verb form meaning 'to push with the elbow' is less frequent but common.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No major differences in core meaning. Minor spelling variations in derivatives (e.g., 'elbowed' vs. 'elbowed' same).
Connotations
Identical connotations of connection, angle, force, and sometimes rudeness.
Frequency
Equally high frequency in both dialects.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[Subject] elbow [Object] aside/out of the way[Subject] elbow [Object] [Adverbial] (e.g., 'He elbowed his way through the crowd.')Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “elbow grease”
- “at one's elbow”
- “elbow room”
- “rub elbows with”
- “out at the elbows”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Metaphorical: 'We need some elbow room in the budget.' or 'He's rubbing elbows with investors.'
Academic
Anatomical/technical description; metaphorical use for 'intellectual space' or 'methodological flexibility'.
Everyday
Body part description; 'elbowing' through a crowd; 'use some elbow grease' for cleaning.
Technical
Anatomy: the humeroulnar joint. Engineering: a pipe elbow (e.g., 90-degree elbow).
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- She had to elbow her way to the front of the queue at the pub.
- The footballer was penalised for elbowing an opponent.
American English
- He elbowed his competitor aside to get the last ticket.
- You'll have to elbow your way through the crowded convention hall.
adjective
British English
- The surgeon performed an elbow replacement surgery.
- The mechanic reached for an elbow connector in the pipe system.
American English
- He suffered an elbow injury during the game.
- We need a 45-degree elbow fitting for this plumbing job.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- My elbow hurts.
- He sat with his elbows on the table.
- Bend your elbow.
- She accidentally hit her elbow on the door frame.
- You need to use some elbow grease to clean that pan.
- He rested his elbows on his knees.
- The boxer received a warning for elbowing his opponent in the face.
- The pipe has a sharp elbow that changes the flow direction.
- We need more elbow room to work effectively on this project.
- Political manoeuvring often involves elbowing rivals out of contention.
- The river's elbow provided a perfect, sheltered spot for the old mill.
- His jacket was worn out at the elbows, suggesting years of diligent study.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think 'L' + BOW: The arm forms an 'L' shape, and you 'bow' (bend) it at the elbow.
Conceptual Metaphor
ANGLES/CORNERS ARE JOINTS (e.g., 'the elbow of the river'), FORCE/PERSUASION IS PHYSICAL NUDGING (e.g., 'elbowing out the competition'), EFFORT IS PHYSICAL EXERTION ('elbow grease').
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid false friend 'локоть' (lokot') is direct translation; no trap for noun. Verb 'to elbow' is not 'локтировать' which is non-existent. Use 'толкать локтем' or 'протискиваться'.
Common Mistakes
- Incorrect plural: 'elbows' correct, 'elbowes' incorrect. Verb tense: 'He elbow me' (incorrect) vs. 'He elbowed me' (correct). Confusing 'elbow' with 'wrist' or 'knee'.
Practice
Quiz
What does the idiom 'elbow grease' mean?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, 'elbow' is primarily a noun but is also a verb meaning 'to push or strike with the elbow' or 'to make one's way by pushing.'
'Tennis elbow' (lateral epicondylitis) is a painful condition caused by overuse of the forearm muscles and tendons, not limited to tennis players.
An 'elbow' is the joint in the arm connecting the upper arm (humerus) to the forearm. A 'knee' is the corresponding joint in the leg.
Yes, frequently. Examples include 'elbow room' (space to manoeuvre), 'elbowing your way' (aggressively advancing), and 'rubbing elbows' (socialising).
Collections
Part of a collection
Body and Health
A1 · 49 words · Parts of the body and basic health vocabulary.