rub off

Related to rub off: rub out

rub (oneself) off

vulgar slang To masturbate.
See also: off, rub

rub off

1. To come off (of something else) after being rubbed. Don't worry, if you use a warm, damp towel, the makeup will just rub right off.
2. To remove some substance off of a surface by rubbing. In this usage, a noun or pronoun can be used between "rub" and "off." You'd better rub that paint off before it has a chance to dry!
3. To have one's characteristics, mannerisms, or behavior be adopted by someone with whom one has spent a lot of time. Usually followed by "on someone." Peter's been very unruly lately. I think the Thompsons' little brat has been rubbing off on him. I want you to spend a month mentoring with Sarah here. Hopefully, some of her talent and work ethic will rub off.
4. To cause one to feel irritated, upset, disgusted, or ill at ease. In this usage, a noun or pronoun can be used between "rub" and "off." The waiter's condescending remarks really rubbed me off wrong, you know? He has a knack for rubbing off his clients with his abrasive personality.
5. vulgar slang To masturbate. Used especially in the form "rub one off."
6. vulgar slang To bring someone to orgasm with one's hands.
See also: off, rub

rub off on (someone)

To have one's characteristics, mannerisms, or behavior be adopted by someone with whom one has spent a lot of time. Peter's been very unruly lately. I think that new kid is rubbing off on him. It seems like your boss's greed is rubbing off on you—is money all you care about now?
See also: off, on, rub

rubbed off

Erased, eroded, or cleaned away, often incidentally over time. I can't read the cleaning instructions on this tag—they've gotten completely rubbed off. Half of it is rubbed off, but I can just make out what it says.
See also: off, rub
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

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 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
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.

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
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Phrasal Verbs.
See also:
  • (I've) got to take off
  • be well off for (something)
  • be well off for something
  • be off for (something)
  • be off for sth
  • (Now) where was I?
  • be off with you
  • break off
  • base off (of) (something else)
  • bounce off the walls
References in periodicals archive
The students wet the paper, let the water soak in for about 30 seconds, and then started to gently rub off the white paper (the backing of the design).
Print Party Palooza!
"The two Martins have always been very close training buddies and very close friends so I think a lot of their personalities rub off on each other and especially the training ethos that they both take into the game.
Moody praises fight of Corry
Metellus suggests purchasing only lined garments "because you don't want the tanning to rub off on your clothes." Regardless of the product, "make sure the stitching is not sloppy."
Leather bound: Jim Metellus on preserving a fashionable fabric
While it may be possible to cover a large tattoo during an audition, it's best to be up-front with a potential employer, since excessive body makeup could rub off on your partner's costume.
Advice for dancers
It's that agility and passion that Riboud is hoping will rub off and take hold at the bigger company.
Yogurt culture goes global
I think we'll be here for a bit longer and I hope our style of play may rub off on other teams down here.
BACK of the NET: OLD BOYS' FIGHT WILL FIRE HARRIERS; THE WEBSITE VIEW
Almost despite themselves, these two rub off on each other.
Which witch is wicked? A smart new musical turns The Wizard of Oz on its head with its tale of a good witch who knew too much
It may be an uncharacteristic new Bolognese landmark, but some of the vision required to realize it might fruitfully rub off on the city's longer term architectural endeavours.
Tubular cells: a new subterranean civic exhibition centre in the heart of Bologna is signposted by a pair of luminous and ethereal entrance pavilions
Staph can rub off the skin of an infected person onto the skin of another person during prolonged (skin to skin) contact between them.
Antibiotic-resistant skin infections spreading among gay men, also in prisons
Instead, a thick proprietary Teflon lined guide will not gall, rub off or flake under various conditions, including side loads.
Tubular solenoids. (Motion Control Marketplace: Innovations)
In football and basketball, the great athletes almost always go to college where a lot of good things rub off on them: They live in the company of bright people in a vernal culture climate, they learn how to speak, and they acquire values.
Teddy baseball. (Here Below)
Experts hope the environmental consciousness sparked by the Olympics will rub off on the rest of China.
Beijing goes for the Olympic green. (Built Environment)
Dip your orangewood stick in remover, and gently rub off mistakes.
Fancy feet: time to go barefoot, baby! We show you how to perfect those piggies and deck out those toe digits. (GL Fashion Blast)
It will not stain, flake or rub off, and even after treated fabrics are washed they continue to have a high level of scent adsorption.
Carbon Blast
Face-Off won't smear like camo paint (even if you wash your face), and it won't rub off on clothing or equipment.
"Face-Off." Camo Produced