rub it in your face vs rub it on your face

Both phrases are commonly used in English, but they have different meanings. 'Rub it in your face' is used to emphasize making someone feel bad about something, while 'rub it on your face' is used to describe physically applying something onto your face.

Last updated: March 15, 2024 • 4347 views

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to emphasize making someone feel bad about something.

"rub it in your face"

This phrase is used figuratively to describe someone emphasizing or making someone feel bad about something, often a mistake or failure.

Examples:

He didn't just point out my mistake, he really rubbed it in my face.
She always rubs her success in everyone's face.
I know I made a mistake, you don't have to rub it in my face.

Show examples from the web [+]

May 17, 2012 ... ... asking others to post their bank accounts as well. p2 "I have more than that but I have enough tact not to rub it in your face." meaning idioms ...
"Rub it in your face" is a common expression in AE. I understand it to mean that you are somehow reminding someone of an unpleasant fact or ...
And have people rub it in your face before you get made pissed off. from Eminem (Ft. Sia) – Guts Over Fear Lyrics on Genius. Meaning. People will take over ...
Nov 25, 2013 ... Rub it in your face. That moment when someone is bugging you about how good their are at something and you beat them showing them who ...

Alternatives:

throw it in your face
shove it in your face
flaunt it in your face
show it off to your face
make a point of it to your face

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to describe physically applying something onto your face.

"rub it on your face"

This phrase is used literally to describe the action of rubbing something onto your face, like lotion or cream.

Examples:

She rubs the cream on her face every night before bed.
Make sure to rub the sunscreen on your face before going out in the sun.
He rubbed the mud on his face as part of the tribal ritual.

Show examples from the web [+]

Mar 31, 2014 ... Oatmeal: Make a batch of plain oatmeal and gently rub it on your face. This option is great for people with dry skin because it is so hydrating.
2 days ago ... Squeeze on lemon and then rub it on your face. Leave it for 5-10 min and then wash your face. For better results repeat this treatment several ...
Carefully rub it on your face without pressure so it won't damage skin cells. Clean Your Face with Grapefruit Peel Step 6.jpg. 6. Throw out the peels after use.
Jul 20, 2010 ... Mush it up (add a little honey if you'd like) and rub it on your face. Leave on for 10 minutes. Rinse. Love it. It's sort of like Where's Waldo, but not ...

Alternatives:

apply it on your face
spread it on your face
put it on your face
massage it into your face
smooth it on your face

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rub it in your face vs rub it on your face