elbow

The part in the middle of your arm where it bends.

• My elbow hurts.
• She rested her elbows on the table.
• He bent his elbow to lift the cup.

Common phrases: bend your elbow, elbow joint, sore elbow

A sharp bend in something, or a curved piece joining two pipes.

• The plumber fitted a new elbow.
• Water leaked from the pipe elbow.
• The path follows an elbow in the river.

Similar words: bend

Common phrases: pipe elbow, elbow fitting, river elbow

To push people aside with your bent arms so you can move forward.

• He elbowed through the crowd.
• She elbowed her way to the front.
• They elbowed past us to reach the door.

How to use it: elbow your way through something (We elbowed our way through the crowd.)

Similar words: push, shove

Common phrases: elbow your way, elbow through something, elbow past someone

To hit someone with the pointed part where your arm bends.

• She elbowed me in the ribs.
• He accidentally elbowed his friend.
• Stop elbowing me while I’m eating.

How to use it: elbow someone in something (He elbowed me in the side.)

Similar words: nudge

Common phrases: elbow someone, elbow someone hard

To force someone to leave a job or position so another person can take it.

• They elbowed him out of his job.
• Her rivals elbowed her aside.
• The chairman was elbowed out by younger members.

How to use it: elbow someone out of something (His rivals elbowed him out of the leadership.)

Similar words: oust, displace

Common phrases: elbow someone out, elbow someone aside