UsingEnglish.com

8 English Phrasal Verbs With 'RUB'

What's covered on this page

We have definitions for 8 phrasal verbs with 'RUB'

8 phrasal verbs with 'RUB'

Rub along

  1. Have a reasonably good relationship
    (Intransitive | British English)
    » Example: They're not friends, but we RUB ALONG.

Rub down

  1. Dry or clean something with a cloth
    (Separable [optional] | International English)
    » Example: She RUBBED the horse DOWN with a towel after riding it.
  2. Massage or rub someone to help them relax
    (Separable [optional] | International English)
    » Example: The trainer RUBBED her DOWN after the race.

Rub in

  1. Apply a substance like cream or ointment and rub it until it is absorbed
    (Separable [optional] | International English)
    » Example: He applied the steroid cream and RUBBED it IN.

Rub it in

  1. Emphasise how bad a situation is to make someone feel worse
    (Separable [obligatory] | International English)
    » Example: Even though the minister had resigned, the press RUBBED IT IN by publishing more details of the scandal.

Rub off on

  1. Pass a quality or characteristic to people
    (Inseparable | International English)
    » Example: His enthusiasm RUBS OFF ON everyone around him.

Rub out

  1. Delete ink or pencil with an eraser
    (Separable [optional] | International English)
    » Example: He RUBBED OUT the figure and wrote the correct one in.
  2. Kill
    (Separable [optional] | American English)
    » Example: The gangsters RUBBED him OUT for stealing from them.

Rub up against

  1. Touch someone in a sensual or sexual way
    (Inseparable | International English)
    » Example: The cat RUBBED UP AGAINST my leg purring.

Rub up on

  1. Revise
    (Inseparable | International English)
    » Example: I need to RUB UP ON my Portuguese before I go to Brazil.

Take our Exercise on 'RUB'

Quiz for Verb: 'To RUB'

Choose the correct definition for each phrasal verb...

'Rub out' means...

'Rub along' means...

'Rub off on' means...

'Rub in' means...

'Rub up on' means...

'Rub out' means...

'Rub it in' means...

'Rub down' means...

 

Trustpilot