Phrasal verb
rub in
Definition
phrasal verb. to keep talking about someone's mistake or failure to make them feel bad. You use this when someone won't stop reminding you of something embarrassing.
phrasal verb. to emphasize or repeat an unpleasant fact or a mistake to someone, typically to cause annoyance or humiliation. The verb is often used transitively with 'it' as a dummy object referring to the situation.
Examples
“I know I failed the test, so please don't rub it in.”
“After Sarah missed the winning goal, her brother kept rubbing it in by replaying the video of her mistake.”
“While the defeat was already public knowledge, the opposition leader sought to rub it in by detailing every strategic error made during the campaign.”
Examples
simple
“I know I failed the test, so please don't rub it in.”
contextual
“After Sarah missed the winning goal, her brother kept rubbing it in by replaying the video of her mistake.”
complex
“While the defeat was already public knowledge, the opposition leader sought to rub it in by detailing every strategic error made during the campaign.”
Usage
Usually used with 'it' as the object to refer to the embarrassing situation.
Teaching tip
Contrast with 'gloat'; while gloating is feeling smug, 'rubbing it in' is the active verbal behavior of making the other person feel the failure.
Pitfall
He rubbed in me my mistake.
He rubbed my mistake in.
The person being annoyed is not the direct object; the mistake or the situation is the object.
Phrasal verb
Particles
in
Separability
optional
Pattern
rub + (object) + in
Synonyms
Antonyms
Grammar
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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