# rub it in

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/rub-it-in
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

To add insult to injury; to emphasize one's strengths or another's weaknesses in a manner that degrades another.

## Examples

- I know I lost, so please do not rub it in.
- He kept talking about his promotion, which really rubbed it in for those who were laid off.
- After his rival suffered a humiliating defeat, he could not resist rubbing it in by highlighting every single mistake made during the match.

---

From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.