rub off on

Idioms

Become transferred to another, influence through close contact, as in We hoped some of their good manners would rub off on our children. This idiom alludes to transferring something like paint to another substance by rubbing against it. [Mid-1900s]

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Some of her enthusiasm might rub off on you.

From Salon • Aug. 27, 2025

“The way he goes about his job. The energy he brings. It can rub off on us.”

From Washington Times • Nov. 23, 2023

The goals and experiences of the people in their neighborhood rub off on children, too.

From Seattle Times • Oct. 29, 2023

He still wrestles once or twice a year, and WWE hopes some of his superstar aura will rub off on Theory.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 1, 2023

If he was stranded here for years, some part of this place would rub off on him.

From "Kindred" by Octavia Butler

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023