1 A2 neutral
To remove a pencil mark, writing, or drawing using an eraser.
"If you make a mistake, just rub it out and start again."
separable
rub out
B1 neutral separable transitive
To remove a mark or writing by rubbing with an eraser; also criminal slang for killing someone.
In plain English
To erase something with a rubber, or (in old crime films) to kill someone.
What does "rub out" mean?
3 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B2 idiomatic slang
Criminal slang: to kill someone, usually on the orders of a criminal organisation.
"In the film, the mob boss ordered them to rub out the witness before the trial."
separable
3 C1 idiomatic neutral
To completely destroy or eliminate something abstract.
"Years of war had rubbed out an entire generation's sense of hope."
separable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To rub until something comes out/disappears — transparent for the erasing sense.
Actually means
To erase something with a rubber, or (in old crime films) to kill someone.
Usage tip
The erasing sense is everyday British English — 'rub out' with a pencil eraser (called a 'rubber' in British English). The criminal slang sense (to kill) is dated and encountered mainly in older crime fiction and films. American English more commonly uses 'erase' for the physical sense.
Words that pair with "rub out"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
pencil mistake mark answer eraser target
How to conjugate "rub out"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
rub out
I/you/we/they
3rd person
rubs out
he/she/it
Past simple
rubed out
yesterday
Past participle
rubed out
have + pp
-ing form
rubing out
continuous
Hear "rub out" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "rub out" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Keep exploring
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