press the flesh

Idioms  

1. Shake hands and mingle with people, especially when running for public office. For example, The candidate went through the crowd, pressing the flesh. [1920s]

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Example Sentences

Think of it as a politician hitting the campaign trail to press the flesh in search of cash and support, only not quite as sleazy.

From Los Angeles Times

In an interview before he left for France, Inslee said he had two missions in Paris: “to continue our leadership internationally in the development of sustainable aviation” and to “press the flesh and talk to potential investors in the state of Washington.”

From Seattle Times

Inside the church, as the crowd waits for Logan's casket to arrive, the Roys press the flesh.

From Salon

“But you can’t just mail it in. He’s going to have to press the flesh, roll his sleeves up, and get really serious.”

From Seattle Times

But when canvassers and the candidates themselves press the flesh in the Valley, they encounter an electorate whose leanings don’t always line up with common perceptions.

From Los Angeles Times