rub up against
C1 neutral inseparable both
In simple words
to touch or meet something closely, sometimes in an uncomfortable way
Literal meaning: to physically press or move against something by touching it
Meanings
1 C1 neutral
to touch or press against someone or something closely while moving past
"In the crowded train, my bag kept rubbing up against other passengers."
Grammar: inseparable
2 C1
idiomatic
neutral
to come into contact with an idea, system, or difficult situation and feel tension or resistance
"As a young reporter, she rubbed up against political power very quickly."
Grammar: inseparable
Usage notes
Often used figuratively to mean encountering social limits, authority, or harsh facts. Literal use is less common than figurative use.
Commonly used with
authority reality poverty tradition people the law
Forms
Base
rub up against
I/you/we/they
3rd person
rubs up against
he/she/it
Past simple
rubed up against
yesterday
Past participle
rubed up against
have + pp
-ing form
rubing up against
continuous
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Synonyms
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