Phrasal verb
rub off
To be transferred from one person or surface to another, either physically or as an influence.
Meanings
(of a quality, feeling, or habit) To be transferred from one person to another, especially through close association or contact.
To remove something from a surface by rubbing it.
Definition
The phrasal verb "rub off" has two main meanings. It can describe a quality, habit, or feeling that is passed from one person to another through interaction. Alternatively, it can mean to remove a mark or substance from a surface by rubbing it.
Examples
- Her enthusiasm for learning always rubs off on her students.
- If you spend enough time with positive people, their good attitude can often rub off on you.
- The ink from the newspaper rubbed off onto my fingers as I was reading it.
- Can you rub off that smudge from the mirror before guests arrive?
- He hoped his strong work ethic would rub off on his new team members.
Common mistake
A common mistake is to confuse "rub off" (meaning transfer or remove by rubbing) with "rub out" (meaning erase or kill).
More phrasal verbs
- go on To go on means to continue or keep happening.
- carry out To carry out something means to do it or complete it, especially a plan, task, or instruction.
- set up To set up means to arrange or prepare something so it is ready to use or happen.
- pick up “Pick up” most commonly means to collect someone or something from a place, usually by going there.
- go back To go back means to return to a place, time, or earlier situation.