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rub off

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rub off (on someone)

[for a characteristic of one person] to seem to transfer to someone else. I'll sit by Ann. She has been lucky all evening. Maybe it'll rub off on me. Sorry. I don't think that luck rubs off.

See also: off, rub

rub off (on someone)

[for a characteristic of one person] to seem to transfer to someone else. I'll sit by Ann. She has been lucky all evening. Maybe it'll rub off on me. Sorry. I don't think that luck rubs off.

See also: off, rub

rub something off (of) something

 and rub something off

to remove something from something by rubbing. (Of is usually retained before pronouns.) The butler rubbed the tarnish off the pitcher. The butler rubbed off the dark tarnish. rub something onto something and rub something on to apply something onto the surface of something by rubbing. Alice rubbed suntan lotion onto her arms and legs. Rub on some of this lotion.

See also: off, rub

rub off (on somebody)

to be learned or obtained without any effort I like to think that my love of reading will rub off on my children.

Usage notes: usually used of a skill, an interest, or a quality

See also: off, rub

rub off

v.

1. To remove or erase something from a surface by or as if by rubbing: The mechanic grabbed a rag and rubbed off the grease. Don't scrub too hard, or you'll rub the paint off the car.

2. To be removed or be capable of being removed from a surface by rubbing: The ink on the table won't rub off. The newsprint rubbed off on my fingers.

3. To pass from one person to another through direct association, as of a quality: We hope some of her enthusiasm rubs off. I'm glad to see their good manners have rubbed off on you.

See also: off, rub