Collocations for "rub"
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word "rub" in context.
WordReference English Collocations © 2025
rub
ⓘMost examples are given in US English. We have labeled exceptions as UK.n
- rub your [eyes, arms, back]
- rub [lotion, cream, gel] on your [hands, skin]
- rub out the [answers, comments, markings]
- rub the [answers] out
- rub shoulders with [the elite, the rich and famous, celebrities]
- rub the [dishes, teapot, pan] dry
- rubbed [her, himself] dry
- rub yourself with [a towel, soap, a loofah]
- rubs off on me
- (don't) rub it in
- stop rubbing it in
- rub against [the door, metal, the wall]
- rub down the [car, windows, horse]
- rub the [car] down
- rub your hands together
- idiom: rub salt in [her wounds, the wound]
- he rubbed her the wrong way
- UK: he rubbed her up the wrong way
- rub noses
'rub' also found in these entries (note: many are not synonyms or translations):