Elbow sb aside Meaning, Examples & How to Use in English

What Does “Elbow sb aside” Mean?

“Elbow sb aside” means to push someone lightly or roughly with your elbow to move them out of your way or to get ahead.

Introduction

The phrase “elbow sb aside” is a common English expression used when someone physically moves another person by pushing them with their elbow. This action is usually done to get past someone or to take their place. The elbow is a part of the arm, and using it to move someone can be gentle or slightly forceful. Understanding the elbow sb aside meaning helps learners recognize situations where this phrase is appropriate, especially in crowded places or competitive scenarios. It’s often used both literally and figuratively, such as when someone tries to get ahead in a conversation or competition by pushing others aside. Knowing how to use this phrase correctly will improve your everyday English and make your speech sound more natural.

Quick Info Box

• Phrasal verb: elbow somebody aside
• Type: transitive
• Level: B2
• Short meaning: to push someone out of the way using your elbow

Structure (Grammar Rules)

“Elbow sb aside” is a transitive phrasal verb, which means it requires a direct object (someone). It is separable, so you can place the object between “elbow” and “aside” or after them.

• elbow somebody aside
• elbow aside somebody

Examples of the structure:

• He elbowed her aside to get to the front.
• She elbowed aside the crowd to reach the exit.

How to Use “Elbow sb aside”?

You use “elbow sb aside” when describing someone physically moving another person using their elbow. It often implies some force or urgency. This phrase is common in crowded places and situations where people want to get through or ahead quickly. It can also be used figuratively to describe pushing someone out of a position or role.

Examples

Imagine a busy market where people are pushing to see a product. Someone might “elbow people aside” to get closer.

• He elbowed his way through the crowd to reach the stage.
• She elbowed aside her classmates to grab the last book.
• During the sale, customers elbowed each other aside to get the best deals.
• He didn’t hesitate to elbow his colleague aside to get the promotion.
• She elbowed aside the other players to score the winning goal.

These examples show how “elbow sb aside” is used both literally and figuratively.

Common Mistakes

Many learners confuse the word order or use the wrong preposition. Remember that “elbow sb aside” is the correct form, not “elbow aside sb” in most cases.

• Incorrect: He elbow aside me to get through.
• Correct: He elbowed me aside to get through.
• Incorrect: She elbowed aside to the crowd.
• Correct: She elbowed aside the crowd.

Also, avoid using “elbow” without an object, as it needs someone to be pushed.

Differences / Synonyms

“Elbow sb aside” is similar to phrases like “push aside,” “shove aside,” or “brush aside,” but each has a slightly different meaning.

• Push aside: Use hands to move someone or something away, usually gently.
• Shove aside: A stronger, rougher action than push.
• Brush aside: Usually figurative, meaning to ignore or dismiss.

“Elbow sb aside” specifically involves using the elbow and is often more forceful than “push aside” but less aggressive than “shove aside.”

Common Collocations

When using “elbow sb aside,” certain words frequently appear together:

• Elbow somebody aside – to move a person
• Elbow through – to push through a crowd
• Elbow your way – to force your way forward
• Elbow someone roughly – to push with force

Related Phrasal Verbs

Here are related phrasal verbs of elbow sb aside:

• Elbow Sb Out

Real-life Dialogue

Here is a short conversation using “elbow sb aside”:

Anna: The concert was so crowded! I had to elbow people aside just to get a good spot.

Ben: Really? That sounds tough. Did anyone get upset?

Anna: A little, but everyone was trying to see the band, so it was understandable.

Practice

Fill in the blanks with the correct form of “elbow sb aside”:

• During the rush, he _________ several people _________ to reach the exit.
• She didn’t want to wait, so she _________ her classmates _________.
• To get the last ticket, we had to _________ others _________.

FAQs

• What does “elbow sb aside” mean? It means to push someone out of the way using your elbow.
• Is “elbow sb aside” formal or informal? It is more informal and used in casual conversations.
• Can “elbow sb aside” be used figuratively? Yes, it can mean pushing someone out of a position or role, not just physically.
• Is it correct to say “elbow aside sb”? Usually, the correct form is “elbow sb aside,” but both forms may be understood.
• What are synonyms for “elbow sb aside”? Some synonyms are “push aside,” “shove aside,” and “brush aside.”