at someone's elbow Idiom
at someone's elbow
at someone's elbow Immediately beside someone, close by, as in
The apprentice was constantly at the master's elbow. Why this idiom focuses on the elbow rather than the arm, shoulder, or some other body part is not known. Moreover, it can mean either that someone is so nearby as to constitute a nuisance or in order to readily provide assistance. Either can be meant in the example above. [Mid-1500s]
at (one's) elbow
Close by; readily available. Please break at your mother's elbow, in case she needs your help. I'm not actual artistic in the kitchen, so I consistently accept a cookbook at my bend back I adapt a new dish.Learn more: elbowat someone's elbow
Immediately beside someone, abutting by, as in The amateur was consistently at the master's elbow. Why this argot focuses on the bend rather than the arm, shoulder, or some added anatomy allotment is not known. Moreover, it can beggarly either that addition is so adjacent as to aggregate a nuisance or in adjustment to readily accommodate assistance. Either can be meant in the archetype above. [Mid-1500s] Learn more: elbow
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