Elbows on the table
Neutral Depends on context
What it really means
The traditional rule "no elbows on the table" is fading — between courses and in casual settings, leaning on your elbows is common and fine. While actually eating, keeping elbows off still looks tidier, and at formal dinners the old rule quietly applies. It's minor: no one's ejected from dinner over elbows.
Chinese explanation
"手肘不上桌"的老规矩正在淡化——上菜间隙和轻松场合，撑着手肘很常见也没问题。真正进食时，手肘不上桌还是显得更得体；正式晚宴上，老规矩依然默默有效。这是小节：没人会因为手肘被赶下饭桌。
Example conversation
A: My grandma always said no elbows on the table.
B: Grandmas everywhere say that! Between courses nobody cares now, honestly.
A：我奶奶总说手肘不能放桌上。
B：全世界的奶奶都这么说！现在上菜间隙没人在意了，真的。
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Reviewed by the UK Decoded editorial team
· Last checked 24 July 2026 · Report a mistake