the rub
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.
From the M-W Editors
Word by Word Definitions
rubplay
: to move along the surface of a body with pressure : grate
: to fret or chafe with or as if with friction
: to cause discontent, irritation, or anger
: an unevenness of surface (as of the ground in lawn bowling)
: obstruction, difficulty
: something grating to the feelings (such as a gibe or harsh criticism)
See the full definition of rub
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