english
1
general::
rub sth in
to talk to someone about something which you know they want to forget because they feel bad about it
• OK, I made a mistake, - you don't have to rub it in., rub sth down
[ M ]
to rub something with a rough cloth, brush or paper until its surface is smooth, or clean and shiny
• Rub the wood down with fine sandpaper till it is smooth.
• We rubbed the walls down with soap and hot water., rub sth/sb down
[ M ]
to use a cloth to dry an animal or person
• I used a towel to rub the dog down after his bath.
Cambridge-Phrasal Verbs
2
general::
verb ADV. briskly, hard, vigorously He rubbed his face briskly with the towel. | well Put a little cream onto each hand and rub it in well. | gently, lightly He gently rubbed his swollen nose. | thoughtfully She rubbed her chin thoughtfully. | wearily Corbett rubbed his eyes wearily. | in, together He began to rub his hands together in glee. VERB + RUB begin to PREP. against The cat rubbed against my legs. | at She stood up, rubbing at her back. | into Rub the cream well into your skin. | on She rubbed her hands on her apron. | with I rubbed my glasses with my handkerchief.
Oxford Collocations Dictionary
3
general::
verb
massaged:
She rubbed his sore arm.
Simple Definitions
4
general::
In addition to the idioms beginning with RUB, Also see THE RUB.
American Heritage Idioms