Bend the elbow Meaning in English
expression
ˈbɛnd/ /ˈðə/, /ðə/, /ði/ /ˈɛɫˌboʊ
BEND-thuh-EL-boh
bˈɛnd/ /ðə, ði/ /ˈɛlbəʊ
BEND-thuh-EL-boh
Definition
To drink alcohol, especially in a relaxed or social way. This is an informal idiom sometimes used humorously.
Usage & Nuances
Very informal, often said jokingly. Usually used to reference drinking alcohol socially, not just the physical action. Rarely used seriously. Common in American English, especially among older generations or in bar culture.
Spanish: beber alcohol - tomar una copa (expresión idiomática)Portuguese (BR): beber álcool (expressão idiomática)Portuguese (PT): beber álcool (expressão idiomática)Chinese (Simplified): 喝酒（习语）Chinese (Traditional): 喝酒（成語）Hindi: शराब पीना (मुहावरा)Arabic: شرب الكحول (تعبير مجازي)Bengali: মদ্যপান করা (বাগধারা)Russian: выпивать (идиома)Japanese: お酒を飲む（慣用句）Vietnamese: uống rượu (thành ngữ)Korean: 술을 마시다 (관용구)Turkish: alkol almak (deyim)Urdu: شراب پینا (محاورہ)Indonesian: minum alkohol (ungkapan)
Example Sentences
On Fridays, we like to bend the elbow after work.
basic
He often bends the elbow at the local bar.
basic
Some people bend the elbow to relax on weekends.
basic
After a tough day, he just wants to bend the elbow with friends.
natural
It's been ages since I last bent the elbow like that!
natural
If you ever want to bend the elbow, give me a call.
natural