Rub in

verb

To massage or apply pressure to a certain area by using a circular or back and forth motion.

She had to rub in the lotion on her dry skin.
Visual representation of "rub in" - To massage or apply pressure to a certain area by using a circular or back and forth motion.

Often appears as...

  • rub in lotion
  • rub in oil
verb

To repeatedly remind someone of their mistakes or shortcomings.

I know I made a mistake, you don't have to rub it in.
Visual representation of "rub in" - To repeatedly remind someone of their mistakes or shortcomings.

Often appears as...

  • rub it in
  • rub someone's nose in it

Usage tips

Disapproving

Idiomatic

verb

To massage or apply pressure to a certain area by using a circular or back and forth motion.

She had to rub in the lotion on her dry skin.
Visual representation of "rub in" - To massage or apply pressure to a certain area by using a circular or back and forth motion.

Often appears as...

  • rub in lotion
  • rub in oil
verb

To repeatedly remind someone of their mistakes or shortcomings.

I know I made a mistake, you don't have to rub it in.
Visual representation of "rub in" - To repeatedly remind someone of their mistakes or shortcomings.

Often appears as...

  • rub it in
  • rub someone's nose in it

Usage tips

Disapproving

Idiomatic

Definition 1 of 2
Visual representation of "rub in"
LampPro Tip 1/3

Physical Action

Used when describing the action of physically spreading a substance on the body or another surface.

Illustration for Physical Action
After getting a tattoo, you need to rub in the ointment gently.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Thorough Application

Implies that the substance needs to be fully absorbed or adequately spread into the area.

Illustration for Thorough Application
Rub in the conditioner until your hair feels smooth.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Personal Care

Commonly used in contexts related to skincare, haircare, or other beauty routines.

Illustration for Personal Care
Remember to rub in your serum for the best effect.
LampPro Tip 1/3

Physical Action

Used when describing the action of physically spreading a substance on the body or another surface.

Illustration for Physical Action
After getting a tattoo, you need to rub in the ointment gently.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Thorough Application

Implies that the substance needs to be fully absorbed or adequately spread into the area.

Illustration for Thorough Application
Rub in the conditioner until your hair feels smooth.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Personal Care

Commonly used in contexts related to skincare, haircare, or other beauty routines.

Illustration for Personal Care
Remember to rub in your serum for the best effect.
LampPro Tip 1/3

Physical Action

Used when describing the action of physically spreading a substance on the body or another surface.

Illustration for Physical Action
After getting a tattoo, you need to rub in the ointment gently.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Thorough Application

Implies that the substance needs to be fully absorbed or adequately spread into the area.

Illustration for Thorough Application
Rub in the conditioner until your hair feels smooth.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Personal Care

Commonly used in contexts related to skincare, haircare, or other beauty routines.

Illustration for Personal Care
Remember to rub in your serum for the best effect.
Visual representation of the word "Rub in"

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