Rub it in Meaning in English
expression
ˈɹəb/ /ˈɪt/, /ɪt/ /ˈɪn/, /ɪn
RUB-it-in
ɹˈʌb/ /ˈɪt/ /ˈɪn
rub-IT-IN
Definition
To remind someone of something embarrassing, bad, or disappointing to make them feel worse, especially when it's unnecessary or unkind.
Usage & Nuances
Informal and sometimes playful but can be hurtful. Commonly used when talking about past failures, losses, or mistakes; often used as "Don't rub it in" to ask someone to stop mentioning your misfortune. Usually used when the reminder feels unnecessary or excessive.
Spanish: restregarlo - echar sal en la heridaPortuguese (BR): jogar na cara - esfregar na feridaPortuguese (PT): deitar mais sal na ferida - esfregar na caraChinese (Simplified): 揭傷疤 - 火上澆油Chinese (Traditional): 揭傷疤 - 火上加油Hindi: नमक छिड़कना - चिढ़ानाArabic: يفركها في وجهي - يزيد الطين بلةBengali: ঘা দিয়ে লবণ ছিটানো - বারবার মনে করানোRussian: напоминать неприятное - сыпать соль на рануJapanese: 追い打ちをかける - 蒸し返すVietnamese: xát muối vào vết thương - nhắc lại điều gì làm ai buồnKorean: 상처에 소금 뿌리다 - 일부러 아픈 기억을 들추다Turkish: yaraya tuz basmak - tekrar tekrar yüzüne vurmakUrdu: زخم پر نمک چھڑکنا - بار بار طعنہ دیناIndonesian: menyiram garam di luka - mengungkit-ungkit
Example Sentences
I know I made a mistake—please don't rub it in.
basic
He lost the game, so let's not rub it in.
basic
Stop rubbing it in about my bad grade.
basic
Okay, you won—no need to rub it in all night.
natural
"You forgot your keys again?" "Come on, don't rub it in!"
natural
She loves to rub it in whenever I lose at chess.
natural