8 English Phrasal Verbs With 'RUB'

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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.

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