Quick links
elbows up
DCHP-3 (Apr 2025)
Spelling variants:"elbows up"
1expression — Hockey
a rough style of playing hockey.
Type: 4. Culturally Significant — Elbows up is a style of play in hockey that focuses more on the physical aspect of the game. It is often used in response to perceived biases in refereeing, when players get their elbows up to fend off attacks and to use the elbows aggressively against the opponent's body. Gordie Howe (1926-2018) was the forward that perfected this style of play and made it, in his role as "Mr Hockey", an integral part of the game. The expression is predominantly used in Canada (see Chart 1).
Quotations
1972
Disappointment approaching tears showed in Park's face. "We've got more loyal fans in New York," he said. "The sports writers are for us, but a lot of people are criticizing us who don't know anything about hockey. The name of our game is to win, and to do that we sometimes get our elbows up and play rough. On the ice there is no time to think diplomatically."
1987
Although Howe retired from pro hockey in 1980 at the age of 52, and is a grandfather, he still skates superbly, still gets his elbows up in the corners, and still owns wicked wrist and slapshots.
2expression — in figurative use
a synonym for Canadian resistance against US tariffs.
Type: 4. Culturally Significant — In early 2025, Canada's existence was questioned by the 47th President of the United States. The expression has since been used as a rallying cry to fight against US discourse of the annexation of Canada as the "51st state".
Quotations
2025
More than a third of Canadians - 39% - expect the U.S. trade war to persist until President Donald Trump is gone from office - if he does indeed leave after a second term, according to a new Angus Reid survey.
And if that's the case, more Canadians are ready to fight, embracing the "elbows up" approach. The survey found that 63% think Canada should play hardball, up from 49% who felt that way in December.
And if that's the case, more Canadians are ready to fight, embracing the "elbows up" approach. The survey found that 63% think Canada should play hardball, up from 49% who felt that way in December.
2025
Resistance to Mr. Trump will take a sustained effort. It will be emotionally trying and financially difficult. At times it may seem desperate. Former prime minister Stephen Harper captured the gravity of the situation when he said that, were he still leader, he’d “be prepared to impoverish the country and not be annexed, if that was the option we’re facing.”
The widespread slogan “elbows up” is one sign Canadians are willing to join this fight. Another is the flags flying proudly across the country.
The widespread slogan “elbows up” is one sign Canadians are willing to join this fight. Another is the flags flying proudly across the country.
2025
So if there’s one thing I hope about these new whiplash-filled times, it’s that Canadians don’t turn on each other. I am convinced this will-they, won’t-they tariff situation is purposely designed to keep us on edge and exhaust us. Because we will get tired. After all, you can only keep your elbows up for so long. We have to be able to lean on each other.
2025
When Canadian actor and comedian Mike Myers, clad in a "Canada is not for sale" T-shirt, twice mouthed the words "elbows up" and tapped his own left elbow on Saturday Night Live last weekend, he was sending a not-so-subtle signal to his compatriots north of the border: Get ready for a fight.
Facing punishing tariffs on Canadian exports and repeated jibes from U.S. President Donald Trump about their country becoming the 51st state, Canadians were understandably riled. "Elbows up" became the rallying cry they'd been looking for.
[...] In hockey-loving Canada, the phrase automatically evokes memories of one of the game's greatest players, Saskatchewan-born Gordie Howe, who before becoming Mr. Hockey had earned another nickname: Mr. Elbows. Unfailingly humble, generous and gentlemanly off the ice, Howe would wield his elbows like weapons when battling for the puck.
Facing punishing tariffs on Canadian exports and repeated jibes from U.S. President Donald Trump about their country becoming the 51st state, Canadians were understandably riled. "Elbows up" became the rallying cry they'd been looking for.
[...] In hockey-loving Canada, the phrase automatically evokes memories of one of the game's greatest players, Saskatchewan-born Gordie Howe, who before becoming Mr. Hockey had earned another nickname: Mr. Elbows. Unfailingly humble, generous and gentlemanly off the ice, Howe would wield his elbows like weapons when battling for the puck.
References
- Encyclopaedia Brittanica • Gordie Howe
Images
