Browse all

rub along

B2 informal inseparable intransitive
In simple words

To get on with someone well enough, or to manage life without anything going badly — but nothing great either.

Literal meaning: To rub along a surface — implies friction that is tolerable rather than damaging.

Meanings

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."

Grammar: inseparable
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."

Grammar: inseparable
Usage notes

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.

Commonly used with

together well enough somehow fine colleagues neighbours

Forms

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

Understand "rub along" better

Try:

Real video examples

Video examples are being collected. Check back soon.

Want to master this phrasal verb?

Practice "rub along" on Looplines