Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

dont-rub-it-in

idiomatic expression
/doʊnt rʌb ɪt ɪn/
Definition
A phrase used to indicate that someone should not belabor or emphasize a point, especially one that is painful or embarrassing to another person.
Examples
  • “I know I lost the game, so don’t rub it in, please.”
  • “She didn’t want her friends to rub it in after her promotion was given to someone else.”
  • “After failing the test, all he asked was for his classmates to not rub it in their jokes.”
Meaning
To avoid making someone feel worse about a misfortune or mistake by repeatedly mentioning it.
Synonyms
  • “Don’t remind me”
  • “Stop bringing it up”
  • “No need to dwell on it”