rub in
The phrase "rub in" can refer to both a physical action and a figurative one, often used in contexts of applying substances or emphasizing a point unkindly.
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Definition
B2General
(common)To apply a substance to a surface and work it into the material using pressure.
Example
- Rub in the lotion until it is fully absorbed by the skin.
B2Informal
(idiomatic)To repeatedly mention or emphasize something, usually to make someone feel bad or guilty.
Example
- She kept rubbing in his mistake, making him feel worse.
Similar
Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "rub in":
rub downrub outrub uprubbing oilrub up againstrub offrubbing offrub and tughand rubrub up onrubbing postrub someone's nose inrub of the greenrubbing alcoholbrush uprough upscrub upscrub outgrease upscrub downbrass rubbing