that's the rub

that's the rub

That is the biggest problem or difficulty (with the situation being discussed). The phrase was famously used in Shakespeare's Hamlet (as "there's the rub") and is now seen in many different variations, including "here's the rub" and "therein lies the rub." A: "All you need to do to get your car back is pay the fine." B: "And that's the rub: my wallet is in my car."
See also: rub

there's the rub

There is the biggest problem or difficulty (with the situation being discussed). Seen in many different variations, including "here's the rub," "that's the rub," and "therein lies the rub," the phrase was famously used in Shakespeare's Hamlet. A: "All you need to do to get your car back is pay the fine." B: "But there's the rub—my wallet is in my car."
See also: rub
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
See also:
  • here's the rub
  • there is/lies the rub
  • there(in) lies the rub
  • therein
  • there's the rub
  • the rub
  • (something), thy name is (someone or something)
  • springes to catch woodcocks
  • woe is me
  • Woe is me!
References in periodicals archive
And that's the rub for the pro-Unionist parties, Scottish constitutional politics is not a game for the faint-hearted, but with independence looking ever more likely, they find their own party leadership being the main risk to their Union.
Because that's the rub. These two are still developing, they're not yet the finished article, and expecting them to be is unfair.
And that's the rub: by their very nature, rough sleepers usually have fallen out of any contact at all with statutory agencies and so they do not automatically investigate when a rough sleeper - or, indeed, anyone who is homeless, but living in temporary accommodation - is found dead.
You can easily bounce into trouble - and it might not have been your fault - that's the rub sometimes with links golf.
You can easily bounce into trouble -- and it might not have been your fault -- that's the rub sometimes with links golf.
That's the rub. The foremost thing to do is the facilitation of a business environment that is inured from politics.
And for Ring, that's the rub in terms of Wales evolving a style.
That's the rub Two of the most common ways to add seasonings to grilled food is through the use of a rub or marinade.
That's the rub, of course: the film leads up to a highly praised speech given by DiCaprio at the UN, and even includes an interview with President Obama, but its overall tone is not optimistic.
And that's the rub: The larger economic and political picture remains the bane of Latin American film markets.
"We weren't helped by some tough decisions from the umpires, I thought, but that's the rub of the green.
"We weren't helped by some tough decisions from the umpires, I thought, but that's the rub of the green - sometimes they go for you, sometimes they go against you.
That's the rub. Defense is not just being asked to look at the technology; its politically-motivated brass is being told the commander in chief expects something that can be deployed that will fulfill mission requirements.
Work for 50 years or more, that's the rub, Then they let you join this club!
And that's the rub - we're not only being bribed, we are being bribed with our own money.