Idiom / PhraseSayings & Idioms

Bending the Elbow

[ben-ding theh el-boh]

Pan-Diaspora· Colloquial British & Anglo-Indian idiom for drinking liquor

Also spelled: having a peg, tippling

Community Definitions1

Definition #1

Enjoying a drink, especially a whisky peg or cold beer with friends at the railway institute or club bar.

“The engine drivers were all down at the institute lounge bending the elbow after completing their rostered turn.”

Contributed by Pepperwater

Oct 18, 2026

A pious, habitual caveat appended to any statement about future travel, appointments, or gatherings, acknowledging providence.

Speaking at tremendous speed, animatedly, and without pause, especially when exchanging neighborhood news or family gossip.

Dragging out a conversation unnecessarily, exaggerating every detail, or blabbing endlessly when a quick concise answer is wanted.