rub out
rub out
1. To erase, remove, or destroy. A noun or pronoun can be used between "rub" and "out." Janet stealthily rubbed out their names and wrote ours on the application instead. You'll need a powerful cleaning solution if you want to rub that stain out from the carpet.
2. slang To murder someone. A noun or pronoun can be used between "rub" and "out." They tried to rub out the witness before he could testify, but the police intervened and saved her life. They're going to rub Manny out if he doesn't step in line.
See also: out, rub
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
rub someone out
Sl. to kill someone. (Underworld.) The gunman was eager to rub somebody out. The crooks tried to rub out the witness.
See also: out, rub
rub something out
to obliterate something by rubbing. See if you can rub those stains out. Rub out the graffiti on the side of the car if you can.
See also: out, rub
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.
rub out
1. Obliterate or erase by, or as if by, rubbing. For example, Bill was so busy rubbing out the old markings that he forgot to put in new ones. [Mid-1600s]
2. Murder, kill, as in They threatened to rub him out if he didn't pay up. [Slang; mid-1800s]
See also: out, rub
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer.
rub out
v.
1. To erase or obliterate something by or as if by rubbing: He tried to rub the paint out from the fabric. She rubbed out the grease with a sponge.
2. Slang To kill someone; murder someone: The gangsters rubbed out one of the witnesses.
See also: out, rub
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Phrasal Verbs.
rub someone out
tv. to kill someone. (Underworld.) The gunman was eager to rub somebody out.
See also: out, rub, someone
McGraw-Hill's Dictionary of American Slang and Colloquial Expressions
- angle
- angling
- not do (someone or oneself) any favors
- involve with
- involve with (someone or something)
- involved with
- arrange for
- arrange for some time
- arrange some music for
- ask back