Dictionary Home » Phrase Meanings » rub

What does "rub" mean?

See in a sentence

In addition to the idioms beginning with rub, also see the rub.

See rub in WNW Idioms

rub along

or rub on or rub through

Chiefly Brit. to manage or keep going in spite of difficulties

rub down

to massage
to smooth, polish, wear down, etc. by rubbing

rub elbows with

to associate or mingle with (famous or prominent people, etc.)

also rub shoulders with

rub it in

Slang to keep on mentioning to someone his or her failure or mistake, often with some malice

rub off on

to be left on (something or someone) as a mark, as by rubbing or, figuratively, by close contact

rub out

to erase or be erased by rubbing
â Slang to kill or murder

rub the wrong way

to be annoying, irritating, etc. to

See rub in American Heritage Dictionary 4 Idioms

elbows

rub /shoulders

To mix or socialize closely: diplomats rubbing elbows with heads of state.

rub (one's) hands

To experience or display pleased anticipation, self-satisfaction, or glee.

rub (someone's) nose in

Slang

To bring repeatedly and forcefully to another's attention.

rub (someone) the wrong way

To annoy; irritate: “One can see . . . how [his] expression of his ideals and intentions must have rubbed many people the wrong way” (Christopher Lehmann-Haupt).

rub up on

To refresh one's knowledge of: I have to rub up on my French.

Learn more about rub

» rub definition

» rub synonyms

» Rub abbreviations & acronyms

» rub medical definition

» rub sentence examples

» rub quote examples

link/cite print suggestion box

What does "rub" mean?

More from YD