rub out
The phrase 'rub out' can mean erasing marks, eliminating plans, or, in slang, killing someone. It is context-dependent and varies regionally.
Definition
A2General
(common)To erase or remove marks by rubbing with an eraser or other tool.
Example
- She used an eraser to rub out the pencil marks.
B2Informal
(slang, North American)To kill someone, often used in the context of organized crime.
Example
- The mob boss ordered his men to rub out the informant.
C1Sports
(Australian Rules Football)To remove a player from the game as a penalty for a foul.
Similar
Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "rub out":
rub downrub inrub uprub offscrub outrubbing offrub and tugrub up againstbuff outwipe offrub up onrubbing oilbrush outscratch outwipe outrough upwipe uprubbing posthand rubscrub downclean outbrush upscrub upiron outwash awaypolish offrim outrake outwash outrub of the greenrob outblot outdust offclean upbrush downsweep outsmooth outclear outfluff outgrease upclean downdab outrubbing alcoholroot out