Rub down Meaning in English

expression

US

ˈɹəb/ /ˈdaʊn

RUB-down

UK

ɹˈʌb/ /dˈaʊn

rub-DOWN

Definition

To massage someone's body or to firmly rub a surface, often to clean, dry, or relax it.

Usage & Nuances

Usually informal. Commonly used for massages after exercise ('rub down the muscles') or cleaning animals, cars, or objects with cloths. 'Rub down' implies using hands or a cloth with some pressure.

• Spanish: masajear - frotar (para limpiar o secar)
• Portuguese (BR): massagear - esfregar (para limpar ou secar)
• Portuguese (PT): massagear - esfregar (para limpar ou secar)
• Chinese (Simplified): 按摩 - 擦拭（用于清洁或擦干）
• Chinese (Traditional): 按摩 - 擦拭（用於清潔或擦乾）
• Hindi: मालिश करना - रगड़ना (साफ या सुखाने के लिए)
• Arabic: تدليك - فرك (للتنظيف أو التجفيف)
• Bengali: ম্যাসাজ করা - ঘষে পরিষ্কার/শুকনো করা
• Russian: растереть - протереть
• Japanese: マッサージする - ふき取る
• Vietnamese: xoa bóp - lau sạch
• Korean: 마사지하다 - 닦아내다
• Turkish: ovalamak - silerek temizlemek
• Urdu: مالش دینا - رگڑ کر صاف کرنا
• Indonesian: memijat - mengelap

Example Sentences

He asked for a rub down after playing football.

basic

Can you rub down the table with this cloth?

basic

The horse needs a good rub down after the race.

basic

After a long day, a quick rub down feels amazing.

natural

Don’t forget to rub down your dog after it gets wet in the rain.

natural

The mechanic rubbed down the old paint before applying a new coat.

natural