What does the phrasal verb “rub it in” mean?

What are the definitions of “rub it in”?

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

• 1. Emphasise how bad a situation is to make someone feel worse.

  Even though the minister had resigned, the press RUBBED IT IN by publishing more details of the scandal.

What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “rub it in”?

The most common meaning of the phrasal verb rub it in is to emphasize a negative situation or someone's mistake, making the person feel worse about it. It is often used when someone is already feeling bad, and another person continues to remind them of their mistake or failure.

What are the different verb forms of “rub it in”?

Root Verb	rub it in
Third Person Singular Present	rubs it in
Present Participle	rubbing it in
Simple Past	rubbed it in
Past Participle	rubbed it in

Example

I know I made a mistake, but you don't have to rub it in.

Example

She always rubs it in when I lose a game.

Example

He is rubbing it in that he got a better grade than me.

Example

They rubbed it in when I failed the test.

Example

My mistake was rubbed in by my friends.

What kind of phrasal verb is “rub it in”?

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Notes from a Native English Speaker

What is a transitive and intransitive verb?
- A transitive verb always has an object after it. (Example: Sam bought a car.)
- An intransitive verb never has an object.(Example: She laughed loudly.)

Intransitive verb

“rub it in” is an intransitive phrasal verb because it doesn't require an object to complete its meaning. It forms a complete sentence without an object.

Example

She rubbed it in when I lost the game.

Example

He rubbed it in that he got a better grade than me.

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Notes from a Native English Speaker

What is a separable and inseparable phrasal verb?
- A “separable phrasal verb” can be separated with an object between the verb and particle.
- An “inseparable phrasal verb” cannot be separated by an object.

Inseparable

“rub it in” is an inseparable phrasal verb. This means that you can’t place an object between the verb and the particle, otherwise, it changes the meaning of the phrasal verb.

Example

She rubbed it in when I lost the game.

Example

He rubbed it in that he got a better grade than me.

What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “rub it in”?

Rub someone's nose in something

To remind someone of their mistake or failure in a harsh or unkind way.

Example

He always rubs my nose in my past mistakes, making me feel bad.

Good things to know

Does “rub it in” have an informal or formal tone?

Rub it in is an informal phrasal verb and is more commonly used in casual conversations. It is not suitable for formal settings or writing. In formal situations, you can use alternatives like 'emphasize' or 'highlight' to convey a similar meaning.

What are synonyms of antonyms to the phrasal verb “rub it in”?

Synonyms

• emphasize
• highlight
• stress
• accentuate
• underline
• point out

Antonyms

• downplay
• minimize
• understate
• ignore
• overlook
• gloss over