rub someone's nose in it



rub someone's nose in it

Bring something, especially an error or fault, repeatedly and forcefully to someone's attention. For example, I know I was wrong, but don't rub my nose in it. This expression alludes to the unkind practice of housebreaking a dog by rubbing its nose in its feces. [Mid-1900s]
See also: nose, rub

Common Names:

NameGenderPronouncedUsage
PauwelPOW-vəl, POW-wəlDutch (Archaic)
BentleyBENT-leeEnglish
Yan (2)-Chinese
ClaudiusKLAW-dee-əs (English)Ancient Roman
Lashay-African American (Rare)
Matfeymaht-VYAYRussian