1 B2 idiomatic informal
To have a reasonably good relationship with someone without any serious conflict, though without being particularly close.
"They don't socialise much, but they rub along well enough as neighbours."
inseparable
rub along
B2 informal inseparable intransitive
To manage to have a reasonably harmonious relationship or cope adequately, without great enthusiasm.
In plain English
To get on with someone well enough, or to manage life without anything going badly — but nothing great either.
What does "rub along" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B2 idiomatic informal
To manage to cope or get by in a situation without great difficulty.
"We didn't have much money, but we rubbed along somehow."
inseparable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To rub along a surface — implies friction that is tolerable rather than damaging.
Actually means
To get on with someone well enough, or to manage life without anything going badly — but nothing great either.
Usage tip
Primarily British English. Implies tolerance rather than enthusiasm — a relationship or situation that is functional but not especially warm or successful. Often used with 'together' or 'with'. Also used to mean 'to manage' in a modest, understated way.
Words that pair with "rub along"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
together well enough somehow fine colleagues neighbours
How to conjugate "rub along"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
rub along
I/you/we/they
3rd person
rubs along
he/she/it
Past simple
rubed along
yesterday
Past participle
rubed along
have + pp
-ing form
rubing along
continuous
Hear "rub along" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "rub along" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Keep exploring
Jump to every phrasal verb built on the same verb, particle, or level.