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the rub

noun

Definition of the rub

formal
: something that causes a difficulty or problem
  • She's an amazing cook, but she rarely has time to make meals. There's the rub.
  • Therein/There lies the rub.

Word by Word Definitions

rub play

  1. : to move along the surface of a body with pressure : grate

  2. : to fret or chafe with or as if with friction

  3. : to cause discontent, irritation, or anger

  1. : an unevenness of surface (as of the ground in lawn bowling)

  2. : obstruction, difficulty

  3. : something grating to the feelings (such as a gibe or harsh criticism)

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