Rub

To massage means to apply pressure or knead with the hands to relieve tension or pain in the body. It is a more gentle and therapeutic action compared to simply rubbing.

例: She massaged her sore muscles after a long workout.

注記: Massage involves more deliberate and focused movements for therapeutic purposes.

To scrub means to clean or rub something hard with a brush or a rough material to remove dirt or stains. It implies a more vigorous and thorough action than just rubbing.

例: She scrubbed the floor until it was sparkling clean.

注記: Scrubbing involves a more intensive and forceful action to clean or remove dirt.

To polish means to make something smooth and shiny by rubbing or buffing. It often involves using a polishing agent or cloth to enhance the appearance of an object.

例: He polished his shoes until they gleamed.

注記: Polishing focuses on making something smooth and shiny, often using specific products or techniques.

To spend time with or be in the company of someone who is important or famous.

例: I had the opportunity to rub shoulders with some industry leaders at the conference.

注記: This phrase uses 'rub' metaphorically to mean being in close contact or association with someone.

To annoy or irritate someone.

例: His sarcastic comments always rub me the wrong way.

注記: In this idiom, 'rub' is used to convey causing discomfort or annoyance.

To keep reminding someone of their mistake or failure in a way that is annoying or hurtful.

例: I know I made a mistake, you don't have to keep rubbing it in.

注記: Here, 'rub' is used to emphasize the action of making someone feel bad about something they did.

To make a painful situation even more painful for someone.

例: Bringing up her failed relationship was like rubbing salt in the wound.

注記: Similar to 'rub it in,' this idiom intensifies the pain or discomfort felt by someone.

To associate or mingle with important or influential people.

例: As a journalist, I get to rub elbows with politicians and celebrities.

注記: This phrase is similar to 'rub shoulders with' and uses 'rub' to indicate close interaction or connection.

To annoy or irritate someone.

例: His condescending attitude always rubs me the wrong way.

注記: Similar to 'rub someone the wrong way,' this idiom conveys causing irritation or discomfort.

To come into conflict or opposition with something.

例: The new policy rubs up against our established procedures.

注記: In this phrase, 'rub' implies encountering friction or disagreement with existing practices or rules.

In British English, 'rubber' refers to an eraser used for removing pencil marks. This term can cause confusion for American English speakers who associate 'rubber' with a different meaning.

例: I need to get a new rubber for my pencil.

注記: The original word 'rub' refers to applying pressure in a back-and-forth motion, while 'rubber' is a specific term for an eraser.

'Rubberneck' means to turn one's head to stare at something of interest or something unusual, often causing a traffic jam. This term is commonly used to describe drivers who slow down to look at accidents or other incidents.

例: Don't rubberneck at the accident scene; it's disrespectful.

注記: The original word 'rub' involves applying pressure, while 'rubberneck' refers to turning one's neck to look.

In the educational context, 'rubber room' refers to a place where disruptive or problematic students are isolated or disciplined.

例: The disruptive student was sent to the rubber room for detention.

注記: The original word 'rub' involves applying pressure, while 'rubber room' refers to a specific location for handling disciplinary issues.

To 'rub elbows' means to mingle or associate closely with someone, especially someone influential or well-known.

例: At the conference, I was rubbing elbows with some influential industry leaders.

注記: The original word 'rub' means to apply pressure, while 'rubbing elbows' refers to socializing or networking with others.

A 'rubber check' is a check that bounces due to insufficient funds in the account. It's a metaphorical term denoting a check that is not backed by real money.

例: His promise to invest was just a rubber check; it bounced when I tried to cash it.

注記: The original word 'rub' involves applying pressure, while 'rubber check' refers to a bounced or invalid check.