Phrasal verb
rub off
Definition
phrasal verb. to have your qualities or habits pass to someone else because you spend time together. If you are happy, your good mood might rub off on your friends.
phrasal verb. to be transferred by contact or association, particularly regarding qualities, behaviors, or moods. The verb is intransitive and typically requires the preposition 'on' to specify the recipient.
Examples
“I hope your luck rubs off on me today.”
“After working with such a professional team for a year, their high standards really started to rub off on the new intern.”
“The professor's infectious passion for classical literature rubbed off on his students, many of whom eventually pursued advanced degrees in the humanities.”
Examples
simple
“I hope your luck rubs off on me today.”
contextual
“After working with such a professional team for a year, their high standards really started to rub off on the new intern.”
complex
“The professor's infectious passion for classical literature rubbed off on his students, many of whom eventually pursued advanced degrees in the humanities.”
Usage
This phrase is almost always used with the preposition 'on' followed by a person.
Teaching tip
Use the physical image of paint or dust transferring from one surface to another to help students visualize how a mood or habit 'rubs off'.
Pitfall
His bad mood rubbed off me.
His bad mood rubbed off on me.
The preposition 'on' is necessary to connect the action to the person being affected.
Phrasal verb
Particles
off
Separability
inseparable
Pattern
rub + off + on + 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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