SINCE 1828
the rub
nounDefinition 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.
Learn More about the rub
From the Editors at Merriam-Webster
Top 10 Phrases from Shakespeare
Top 10 Phrases from Shakespeare
Where the "Green-Eyed Monster" Comes from
Dictionary Entries near the rub
Statistics for the rub
Look-up Popularity
Comments on the rub
What made you want to look up the rub? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).
Test Your Vocabulary
Musical Words Quiz
-
- Which word describes a musical performance marked by the absence of instrumental accompaniment?
Test your knowledge - and maybe learn something along the way.
TAKE THE QUIZ
Test Your Knowledge - and learn some interesting things along the way.
TAKE THE QUIZLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Words at Play
Share the rub
Resources for the rub