rub\ off

rub\ off
v
1. To remove or be removed by rubbing; erase.

The teacher rubs the problem off the chalkboard.

After Ann shook hands with the president, she would not shake hands with anyone else because she thought that the good luck would rub off.

2. To stick to something touched; come off.

Don't touch that charcoal, it will rub off.

Mary's dress touched the door that Father was painting, and some paint rubbed off on her dress.

3. To pass to someone near as if by touching.

Jimmy is very lucky; I wish some of his luck would rub off on me.


Словарь американских идиом. — СПб., Изд-во "Лань". . 1997.

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  • rub off — (on (someone)) to be learned or obtained without any effort. I like to think that my love of reading will rub off on my children. Usage notes: usually used of a skill, an interest, or a quality …   New idioms dictionary

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  • rub off — {v.} 1. To remove or be removed by rubbing; erase. * /The teacher rubs the problem off the chalkboard./ * /After Ann shook hands with the president, she would not shake hands with anyone else because she thought that the good luck would rub off./ …   Dictionary of American idioms

  • rub off — PHRASAL VERB If someone s qualities or habits rub off on you, you develop some of their qualities or habits after spending time with them. [V P on n] He was a tremendously enthusiastic teacher and that rubbed off on all the children... [V P] I… …   English dictionary

  • rub off on — BE TRANSFERRED TO, be passed on to, be transmitted to, be communicated to; affect, influence. → rub * * * rub off on ( ● rub …   Useful english dictionary

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