Phrasal verb
rub down
Definition
phrasal verb. to clean, dry, or smooth a surface by rubbing it with a cloth or a tool.
phrasal verb. to clean, dry, or smooth the surface of an object or animal by applying friction. Transitive and often used in manual labor, physical therapy, or animal husbandry contexts.
Examples
“The trainer rubs down the horse after every race.”
“After the long race, the trainer spent twenty minutes rubbing down the horse to dry its coat.”
“The carpenter meticulously rubbed down the oak cabinet with fine-grade sandpaper to ensure a perfectly smooth finish before applying the varnish.”
Examples
simple
“The trainer rubs down the horse after every race.”
contextual
“After the long race, the trainer spent twenty minutes rubbing down the horse to dry its coat.”
complex
“The carpenter meticulously rubbed down the oak cabinet with fine-grade sandpaper to ensure a perfectly smooth finish before applying the varnish.”
Usage
Usually followed by a noun representing a surface, an animal, or a person's body.
Teaching tip
Contrast with 'rub out' (to erase) to show how different particles change the result of the action.
Pitfall
I rubbed down it.
I rubbed it down.
When the object is a pronoun, it must be placed between the verb and the particle.
Phrasal verb
Particles
down
Separability
optional
Pattern
rub + down + object
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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