RUB Meaning and
Definition
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Rub is a versatile verb that encompasses several distinct meanings. Firstly, it refers to the action of moving one's hand or an object back and forth over a surface with slight pressure. This can be performed for various purposes such as to create friction or to clean, polish, or spread substances. For instance, one might rub lotion on their skin or rub a cloth against a dusty surface to remove dirt and grime.
Rub can also denote the act of pressing or moving two surfaces against each other in a forceful manner. An example of this would be rubbing two sticks together to generate heat or rubbing a stain vigorously to make it disappear.
Furthermore, rub can indicate the action of causing discomfort, soreness, or pain by applying pressure and friction to a particular body part. For example, someone may rub their temples to alleviate a headache or a masseuse can rub a person's back to relieve tension and promote relaxation.
Additionally, rub can refer to the process of moving something along a surface with friction or to cause something to come into contact with a surface continuously. A sled sliding along snow or a car tire spinning against the pavement are instances that exemplify this meaning.
Overall, the term "rub" embodies various actions involving the manipulation, pressure, and contact between objects or body parts.
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• To move one body along the surface of another with pressure; to clean; to scour; to remove by friction; to erase; to fret.
• Act of rubbing; friction; hindrance; difficulty; pinch; sarcasm.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Top Common Misspellings for RUB *
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
Other Common Misspellings for RUB
Etymology of RUB
The word "rub" has an uncertain origin, but it can be traced back to Old English. Here are a few theories regarding its etymology:
1. Proto-Germanic: Some scholars believe that "rub" comes from the Proto-Germanic root "*reup-", which means "to tear, snatch". This could relate to the action of rubbing something vigorously.
2. Onomatopoeic: Another theory suggests that "rub" is an onomatopoeic word derived from the sound produced when two surfaces are rubbed together.
3. Celtic Influence: There is also a theory that the word "rub" originated from Celtic languages, where "rub" or "ruba" meant "to scrape".
It is important to note that the exact origin of "rub" remains unclear and it is possible that it developed independently in different languages.
Idioms with the word RUB
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the rub
The idiom "the rub" refers to the central problem or difficulty in a situation. It signifies the crux of a matter or the main challenge one faces.
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rub up
The idiom "rub up" typically means to refresh one's knowledge or skills in a particular area. It refers to the act of reacquainting oneself with a subject or practicing to improve proficiency.
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rub sth up
The idiom "rub sth up" can have different meanings depending on the context in which it is used. Here are two possible definitions:
1. To refresh or enhance one's knowledge or skills in a particular subject or area. It implies the act of revisiting or practicing something in order to improve or become more proficient at it.
2. To provoke or annoy someone intentionally, typically by discussing a sensitive or controversial topic. In this case, "rubbing something up" refers to stimulating a reaction from someone by deliberately bringing up a potentially inflammatory subject.
It is important to understand the specific context in which the idiom is used to determine the intended meaning.
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rub down
The idiom "rub down" typically means to massage or apply pressure to one's body, usually with the intention of relaxation or pain relief.
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rub elbows with sb
The idiom "rub elbows with sb" means to associate or socialize closely with someone, typically someone of importance or high social status. It implies being in close proximity or frequent contact with the person, often in social settings.
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rub your hands
The idiom "rub your hands" generally means to display excitement, anticipation, or satisfaction about something, often in a greedy or gleeful manner. It implies a feeling of pleasure or delight in the expectation of gaining an advantage, achieving a goal or being involved in something profitable or advantageous.
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rub together
The idiom "rub together" usually refers to the availability or possession of sufficient money or resources to meet one's needs or desires. It implies having enough financial wellbeing to avoid financial struggles or difficulties.
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rub sth into sth
The idiom "rub sth into sth" means to emphasize or emphasize something in a forceful or repetitive manner, often with the intention of making someone feel guilty or uncomfortable about it. It can also refer to physically massaging or applying pressure to something.
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rub along
The idiom "rub along" means to get along or manage with existing resources or circumstances, usually with some difficulty or without major conflicts. It refers to finding a way to make do, tolerate, or adjust to a situation that may not be perfect or ideal.
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rub sb the wrong way, at rub sb up the wrong way
The idiom "rub sb the wrong way," also sometimes expressed as "rub sb up the wrong way," means to annoy or irritate someone, often unintentionally. It refers to behavior or actions that rub someone's sensibilities or preferences in a negative manner, causing discomfort or annoyance.
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rub it in
The idiom "rub it in" means to intentionally emphasize or make someone feel worse about a mistake, failure, or unfortunate situation by repeatedly reminding them of it or flaunting one's success or advantage.
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rub sb out
The idiom "rub sb out" is typically used as a slang term and it has multiple possible meanings depending on the context. One possible definition is:
To murder or kill someone, usually implying a deliberate and planned act of violence. This expression is often used in crime or gangster-related contexts.
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rub salt into somebody’s wounds
The idiom "rub salt into somebody's wounds" means to intentionally make someone's pain or distress worse, often by reminding them of a painful or embarrassing situation. It is figurative and refers to the act of intensifying someone's emotional suffering.
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rub up the wrong way
The idiom "rub up the wrong way" means to irritate or annoy someone by saying or doing something that offends or upsets them.
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rub nose in it
The idiom "rub nose in it" means to humiliate or remind someone of their failure or defeat by emphasizing or dwelling on it. It often involves making the person feel ashamed or regretful about their actions or choices.
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rub somebody the wrong way
The idiom "rub somebody the wrong way" means to annoy, irritate, or offend someone, often due to a particular behavior, action, or mannerism that is contrary to their preferences or sensibilities. It describes a feeling of discomfort or dissatisfaction caused by someone's words, actions, or personality traits.
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the rub of the green
The idiom "the rub of the green" means the unpredictability or luck of the outcome in sports, games, or life situations. It refers to the bounce or roll of a ball on a playing field, which can greatly impact the outcome of a game. It implies that sometimes, despite one's skills or efforts, chance or external factors play a significant role in determining success or failure.
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not have two pennies to rub together, at not have a penny to your name
The idiom "not have two pennies to rub together" is used to describe someone who is extremely poor or lacks any money or wealth. It implies that the person does not even possess two pennies, which may be seen as the lowest form of currency. Similarly, "not have a penny to your name" suggests that the person has absolutely no money or assets to their name. Both idioms highlight severe financial scarcity or destitution.
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rub sb up the wrong way
The idiom "rub someone up the wrong way" means to annoy or irritate someone, typically by behaving in a way that is contrary to their preferences or by having a disagreeable attitude. It implies causing frustration or agitation, often unintentionally, and straining the relationship or interaction with that person.
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not have two brain cells, pennies, etc. to rub together
The idiom "not have two brain cells, pennies, etc. to rub together" is used to describe someone who is extremely unintelligent or lacking in financial resources. It implies that the person has so few brain cells or physical objects (such as pennies) that they can't even generate any friction or make any meaningful connections. It is a humorous and exaggerated way to convey someone's utter lack of intelligence or financial means.
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rub of the green
The idiom "rub of the green" refers to the element of luck or chance in a situation. It implies that sometimes things may not go as planned or expected due to unforeseen circumstances beyond one's control. It suggests accepting those outcomes with resilience and accepting the unpredictable nature of life.
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rub in
The idiom "rub in" means to emphasize or highlight something, often by repeating it or reminding someone of it repeatedly, especially in a way that is intended to make the person feel guilty or embarrassed. It can also refer to deepening or intensifying the impact of a remark or situation.
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rub against
The idiom "rub against" can have multiple meanings depending on the context:
1. Literally: The act of two surfaces or objects coming into contact and sliding or moving against each other, causing friction or abrasion.
Example: The rough fabric of her jeans would rub against her sensitive skin and cause irritation.
2. Figuratively: To come into conflict or clash with someone or something, resulting in disagreement or opposition.
Example: Their differing opinions on the matter will surely rub against each other, leading to heated arguments.
3. Figuratively: To go against established norms or conventions, challenging or defying societal expectations.
Example: As an artist, he constantly sought to rub against traditional art forms and experiment with unconventional techniques.
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rub someone's nose in it
The idiom "rub someone's nose in it" means to repeatedly remind or taunt someone about their mistakes, failures, or shortcomings in order to make them feel embarrassed or humiliated. It often involves highlighting or emphasizing someone's errors or misfortunes to make them feel worse.
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don't know whether to eat it or rub it on
The idiom "don't know whether to eat it or rub it on" refers to a situation where someone is uncertain about how to use or handle something because it appears to have multiple desirable qualities or functions. It implies a dilemma between consuming or using something for its intended purpose (eating) and utilizing it for a potentially unusual or alternative purpose (rubbing it on). The phrase suggests confusion or indecision due to the item's perceived versatility or attractiveness.
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rub off on
The idiom "rub off on" means that someone's behavior, attitudes, or characteristics start to influence or affect another person, often unintentionally. It suggests that spending time with someone or being around their energy can cause you to gradually adopt similar traits or habits.
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rub elbows with (someone)
The idiom "rub elbows with (someone)" means to spend time or socialize with someone, especially someone influential or important. It implies getting the opportunity to interact closely or intimately with that person.
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rub salt in a wound
The idiom "rub salt in a wound" means to intensify or worsen someone's pain or humiliation by reminding them of a distressing or embarrassing situation. It refers to the act of adding salt, which causes stinging pain, to an existing wound, thereby exacerbating the discomfort. In a figurative sense, it is used to describe actions or words that further hurt or distress someone who is already experiencing a difficult or unpleasant situation.
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rub shoulders (with)
The idiom "rub shoulders (with)" means to have close contact or association with someone, usually of a higher social or professional status. It implies being in proximity to influential or notable individuals, often in social gatherings or professional settings.
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rub somebody up the wrong way
The idiom "rub somebody up the wrong way" means to irritate or annoy someone unintentionally by behaving or speaking in a way that clashes with their personality or preferences.
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rub into
The idiom "rub into" means to emphasize or highlight something repeatedly or forcefully. It can also imply making sure a point or lesson is clearly understood or remembered by someone.
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rub someone's nose in
The idiom "rub someone's nose in" means to repeatedly bring up and remind someone of their mistakes or failures, often in a way that is purposely humiliating or demeaning. It involves highlighting and emphasizing someone's shortcomings or errors in order to make them feel ashamed or regretful.
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not have two beans, brain cells, etc. to rub together
The idiom "not have two beans, brain cells, etc. to rub together" is a humorous and somewhat derogatory phrase typically used to describe someone as extremely unintelligent or lacking intelligence altogether. It suggests that the person being referred to does not possess enough cognitive ability to even bring two small items together and create some form of friction or meaningful thought.
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rub out
To "rub out" is an idiomatic expression that means to erase, eliminate, or completely remove something or someone, often with the intention of doing so permanently or forcefully. It can refer to erasing written or drawn material, removing a stain or mark, or even getting rid of someone through violence or assassination.
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there(in) lies the rub
The idiom "there (in) lies the rub" means that a difficulty, problem, or complication is arising in a certain situation or course of action. It refers to a specific challenge or obstacle that needs to be addressed or considered.
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rub (one's) hands
The idiom "rub one's hands" generally means to show great satisfaction or anticipation, often in a secretive or scheming manner. It can imply that someone is pleased with a situation or is eagerly awaiting something positive to happen.
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rub off (on sm)
The idiom "rub off (on someone)" means to have an influence on someone or to subtly impart characteristics or behavior onto someone. It suggests that the qualities or habits of one person become adopted or copied by another person through spending time together or close association.
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rub off
The idiom "rub off" means that the characteristics, qualities, or behavior of one person influence or affect another person. It refers to the idea that by spending time together, observing, or learning from someone else, their traits or habits can be acquired or adopted by someone else.
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rub salt in/into the wound
The idiom "rub salt in/into the wound" means to make someone's pain or discomfort even worse by reminding them of the negative situation or comments that caused it. It generally refers to adding insult to injury or exacerbating a person's emotional distress through further unkind actions or words.
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rub elbows
The idiom "rub elbows" means to associate or socialize with influential or important people, often in a casual or informal setting. It suggests the act of being in close proximity and engaging in conversations or interactions with individuals of high social status or power.
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rub elbows (with sm)
The idiom "rub elbows with (someone)" means to be in close proximity or have social interaction with someone, especially someone who is influential, famous, or important. It often implies networking or socializing in order to gain advantages or connections.
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rub somebody’s nose in it
The idiom "rub somebody’s nose in it" means to remind someone of a mistake, failure, or embarrassing situation in a way that emphasizes their humiliation or discomfort. It implies deliberately causing someone to feel remorse or shame by constantly bringing up their past errors or misfortunes.
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rub hands
The idiom "rub hands" typically refers to a gesture of anticipation, eagerness, or satisfaction. It suggests the idea of someone rubbing their hands together as a sign of gleeful anticipation or satisfaction with a forthcoming event or situation. It can also imply a feeling of glee or mischief.
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here's the rub
The idiom "here's the rub" means that there is a difficulty or complication associated with a situation, usually mentioned after initially discussing the positive aspects. It suggests that there is a catch or an obstacle to consider.
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rub sth out
The idiom "rub sth out" typically refers to erasing, removing, or obliterating something, often by friction or by using an eraser or similar tool. It can be used both literally and figuratively.
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there's the rub
The idiom "there's the rub" refers to a situation where there is a difficulty, obstacle, or problem that causes frustration or complicates matters. It is often used to express an unexpected challenge or complication that hinders progress or success.
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rub the wrong way
The idiom "rub the wrong way" means to annoy, irritate, or agitate someone or be in conflict with their preferences or values. It refers to something or someone that causes discomfort or friction, like stroking someone's hair against the natural direction it grows.
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there is/lies the rub
The idiom "there is/lies the rub" means that there is a significant or problematic difficulty in a situation. It refers to a specific point of contention or challenge that hinders progress or creates conflict.
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rub off (on sb)
The idiom "rub off (on sb)" means the process of someone adopting or acquiring certain characteristics, behaviors, or habits from another person due to prolonged association or influence. It implies that someone's traits or qualities are transferred or transmitted to another person over time.
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have two pennies to rub together
The idiom "have two pennies to rub together" refers to a person being extremely poor or lacking enough money even to sustain basic needs. It implies a state of extreme financial hardship.
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rub sb's nose in it
The idiom "rub sb's nose in it" means to intentionally remind or make someone feel guilty or embarrassed about a mistake or failure they have made, often in a way that is excessive or unnecessary. It implies emphasizing and dwelling on someone's errors to further humiliate or distress them.
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rub salt into wounds
The idiom "rub salt into wounds" means to make a difficult or painful situation worse for someone, typically by mentioning or emphasizing their hurt or misfortune. It implies adding insult to injury or further exacerbating their distress.
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rub salt into sb's wounds
The idiom "rub salt into someone's wounds" means to intentionally make someone's pain or suffering worse by adding further insult or humiliation to their already distressing situation.
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rub elbows with
The idiom "rub elbows with" means to spend time with or be in close contact with someone, especially someone who is influential, important, or of a higher social status. It implies getting the opportunity to interact with and be seen among such individuals.
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rub sm's nose in it
The idiom "rub someone's nose in it" means to deliberately remind or emphasize someone about their mistakes or failures in a way that humiliates or embarrasses them. It involves making someone feel ashamed or regretful about a particular situation or outcome.
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rub elbows (with), at rub shoulders (with)
The idiom "rub elbows (with)" or "rub shoulders (with)" means to have personal contact or interaction with influential or important people. It implies being in close proximity to someone of higher social status or power, often for networking, socializing, or gaining advantages. The phrase suggests engaging with influential individuals to potentially benefit from their connections, knowledge, or influence.
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rub (sm or an animal) down
The idiom "rub (someone or an animal) down" typically refers to the act of massaging or applying pressure on a person's or animal's body in order to relax muscles, ease tension, or provide comfort. It can also be associated with grooming or cleaning an animal by using a brush or hands to rub the fur or skin in order to remove dirt and debris.
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rub salt in the wound
The idiom "rub salt in the wound" means to worsen or intensify someone's pain or suffering, usually by reminding them of a past hurtful or humiliating experience. It metaphorically refers to the act of adding salt on an open wound, causing it to sting and become even more painful.
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rub sth in
The idiom "rub something in" means to intentionally emphasize or remind someone of something, especially in a way that is gloating or purposefully hurtful. It often involves repeating or highlighting an achievement, mistake, or embarrassing situation to make someone feel worse or to make them fully grasp the consequences or impact of their actions.
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rub shoulders with somebody
The definition of the idiom "rub shoulders with somebody" is to spend time with or be in close proximity to someone, especially someone who is famous, influential, or of higher social status. It can imply having social interaction or associations with someone notable or important.
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rub elbows with somebody
To "rub elbows with somebody" means to interact or associate closely with someone, usually in a social setting. It suggests being in close proximity and having direct contact with influential or important people.
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not have two nickels to rub together
The idiom "not have two nickels to rub together" is used to describe someone who is extremely impoverished or lacking in financial resources. It suggests that the person is so financially deprived that they cannot even afford two small coins (nickels) to rub against each other as a gesture of desperation. It emphasizes a complete lack of money or monetary worth.
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rub shoulders with sb
The idiom "rub shoulders with someone" means to come into contact or associate with someone, usually in a social or professional setting. It implies being in close proximity to someone and suggests that the person you are associating with is important, influential, or prestigious.
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rub salt into the wound
The idiom "rub salt into the wound" means to deliberately make a painful or difficult situation even worse or more distressing for someone. It refers to the act of intensifying someone's pain or suffering, typically by bringing up an already painful or sensitive topic, adding insult to injury, or prolonging their distress.
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not have two pennies to rub together
The idiom "not have two pennies to rub together" is used to describe a person who is extremely poor or financially struggling, to the point where they do not even possess two coins (pennies) to rub together. It emphasizes a lack of financial resources or wealth.
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rub with
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rub over
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rub away
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rub at
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rub sm out
Similar spelling words for RUB
- rupee,
- RUPP,
- Rueb,
- Rubye,
- rubia,
- ruff,
- Rubi,
- Ruoff,
- ruby,
- rupe,
- RUF,
- Ruppe,
- rube,
- Rubie,
- Rubio,
- ruffo.
Conjugate verb Rub
CONDITIONAL PERFECT
I
would have rubbed
you
would have rubbed
he/she/it
would have rubbed
we
would have rubbed
they
would have rubbed
I
would have rub
you
would have rub
he/she/it
would have rub
we
would have rub
they
would have rub
CONDITIONAL PERFECT PROGRESSIVE
I
would have been rubbing
you
would have been rubbing
he/she/it
would have been rubbing
we
would have been rubbing
they
would have been rubbing
CONDITIONAL PRESENT
I
would rub
you
would rub
he/she/it
would rub
we
would rub
they
would rub
CONDITIONAL PRESENT PROGRESSIVE
I
would be rubbing
you
would be rubbing
he/she/it
would be rubbing
we
would be rubbing
they
would be rubbing
FUTURE
I
will rub
you
will rub
he/she/it
will rub
we
will rub
they
will rub
FUTURE CONTINUOUS
I
will be rubbing
you
will be rubbing
he/she/it
will be rubbing
we
will be rubbing
they
will be rubbing
FUTURE PERFECT
I
will have rubbed
you
will have rubbed
he/she/it
will have rubbed
we
will have rubbed
they
will have rubbed
FUTURE PERFECT CONTINUOUS
I
will have been rubbing
you
will have been rubbing
he/she/it
will have been rubbing
we
will have been rubbing
they
will have been rubbing
IMPERATIVE
you
rub
we
let´s rub
to rub
PAST CONTINUOUS
I
was rubbing
you
were rubbing
he/she/it
was rubbing
we
were rubbing
they
were rubbing
PAST PARTICIPLE
rubbed
PAST PERFECT
I
had rubbed
you
had rubbed
he/she/it
had rubbed
we
had rubbed
they
had rubbed
PAST PERFECT CONTINUOUS
I
had been rubbing
you
had been rubbing
he/she/it
had been rubbing
we
had been rubbing
they
had been rubbing
PRESENT
I
rub
you
rub
he/she/it
rubs
we
rub
they
rub
PRESENT CONTINUOUS
I
am rubbing
you
are rubbing
he/she/it
is rubbing
we
are rubbing
they
are rubbing
PRESENT PARTICIPLE
rubbing
PRESENT PERFECT
I
have rubbed
you
have rubbed
he/she/it
has rubbed
we
have rubbed
they
have rubbed
PRESENT PERFECT CONTINUOUS
I
have been rubbing
you
have been rubbing
he/she/it
has been rubbing
we
have been rubbing
they
have been rubbing
PRESENT SUBJUNCTIVE
he/she/it
rub
SIMPLE PAST
I
rubbed
you
rubbed
he/she/it
rubbed
we
rubbed
they
rubbed
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