rub along
In real, traceable use. Part of the curated seed collection; community review is coming.
Sense 1
Meaning · English
To survive or get by with some difficulty.
Where it’s used:
Used
American English
Examples
Mrs. Dinsmore has experienced 'love in a cottage,' and probably has no very idyllic recollections; she knows what it is to rub along with one servant, or even none, and keep up appearances and worry about the next month's rent
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).
Sense 2
Meaning · English
To get along, to have an amicable relationship.
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).
Common questions
What does “rub along” mean?
To survive or get by with some difficulty.
Is “rub along” formal or informal?
No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.