elbow out

USAGE SUMMARY

"elbow out" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It means to push or force someone or something out of the way using one's elbow. Example: With the crowded streets, she had to elbow out several people just to get to the front of the line.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

27 human-written examples

"That guy's known for sticking his knee out and elbow out," Biron said.

The New York Times - Sports

I kind of shoot with my elbow out and with a higher arc, and maybe having those hands in my face kind of produced that.

The New York Times

My husband took to sitting in the driver's seat with his elbow out, even while we were parked, enjoying the unaccustomed sensation of being admired.

The Guardian - Travel

He and his tight band arrive ready to cook, and are further revved up by a crowd determined to elbow out enough room to dance.

The Guardian - Music

But some critics said residential rents at the complex, from $1,100 for a 600-square-foot studio to $2,933 for a 1,600-square-foot 1,600-square-foot 1,600-square-foot too much of the population.

The New York Times

And in Chapter 13 bankruptcies, secured lenders like auto finance companies routinely elbow out unsecured lenders like card companies, trends that have contributed to the card lenders' willingness to settle.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

30 human-written examples

Living authors elbowing out dead ones on Facebook and Twitter.

The New York Times - Books

"Disneyish mega-kitsch has elbowed out Czech animation or puppetry".

The Guardian - Books

But the Wall Street crowd quickly elbowed out the competition.

The New York Times

In the process, they elbowed out a rival suitor and Univision's frequent rival, Televisa.

The New York Times

At the same time, large stores like Barnes & Noble and Borders were elbowing out independent booksellers.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing competitive situations, use "elbow out" to vividly convey the act of aggressively displacing or excluding someone, whether physically or metaphorically.

Common error

Avoid using "elbow out" in highly formal or professional writing where a more neutral term like "displace" or "remove" would be more appropriate. It can sound too aggressive.

Linguistic Context

The phrasal verb "elbow out" primarily functions as a verb of action, describing the act of displacing someone or something, either literally or figuratively. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is commonly used in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Wiki

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Reference

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "elbow out" is a phrasal verb that vividly describes displacing something or someone, often aggressively. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is commonly used in written English. It's frequently found in news and media contexts, though its directness makes it less appropriate for formal settings. When choosing alternatives, consider the context and desired level of formality. Phrases like "displace" or "outcompete" may be suitable in more professional environments, while "elbow out" effectively conveys a sense of forceful competition.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

shoulder aside

Similar to "elbow out" but implies using one's shoulder to create space or displace someone.

oust

Implies forceful removal from a position or place, often in a political or competitive context.

force out

Indicates a more direct and potentially confrontational action to remove someone.

displace

Suggests moving something or someone from their original location or role, sometimes due to external forces.

push aside

Indicates a less aggressive form of removal, often implying neglect or disregard.

dislodge

Implies removing something firmly fixed or established.

squeeze out

Describes a gradual process of diminishing someone's opportunities or resources until they are forced to leave.

supplant

Suggests replacing something with something else, often implying superiority or advancement.

outcompete

Focuses on surpassing rivals through superior performance or strategy.

make room

Implies creating physical or metaphorical space, often through effort or compromise.

FAQs

How can I use "elbow out" in a sentence?

You can use "elbow out" to describe physically pushing someone aside, or metaphorically displacing someone in a competition or hierarchy. For example, "She had to elbow out several people to get to the front of the line" or "The new product is expected to elbow out its competitors".

What does it mean to "elbow out" someone in business?

In a business context, "elbow out" means to aggressively displace or outcompete a rival, often through assertive tactics. It suggests a competitive environment where one party is actively pushing others aside to gain advantage.

Are there synonyms for "elbow out" that sound less aggressive?

Yes, depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "displace", "push aside", or "outcompete". These alternatives offer a more neutral or formal tone.

What is the difference between "elbow out" and "oust"?

"Elbow out" often implies a more subtle or persistent effort to displace someone, whereas "oust" suggests a forceful and decisive removal from a position or place. Oust implies a more formal or authoritative action.