nab the rust
In real, traceable use. Part of the curated seed collection; community review is coming.
Meaning · English
To take offense; to become upset.
Register: slang
Examples
[…] did not choose to comply with her wishes. Upon which Mrs. Basset, in the language of the Old Bailey, nabbed the rust; insisted upon some liquor, would not quit the house without it, and began to blow up the hostess and blast the rose.
Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30)
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).
Common questions
What does “nab the rust” mean?
To take offense; to become upset.
Is “nab the rust” formal or informal?
nab the rust is generally slang.