rub it in
Worsen the sting
To rub it in is to emphasize someone's mistake or misfortune, especially when they're already aware of it: I know I forgot the anniversary—you don't have to rub it in.
The phrase suggests grinding salt into a wound, making an unpleasant situation worse through repeated mention.
Usually appears as a command not to do it.
- gloatRelish superiority smugly
- sore winnerUngracious person who prevails
- add insult to injuryWorsen harm with mockery
- twist the knifeIntensify someone's anguish deliberately
- mockScornful imitation or fake
boast · schadenfreude · piling on · taunt · criticize · rag · ridicule · humiliation · bullying · shame · needle · tease · beat a dead horse · rebuke · stirring the pot · revile · hit below the belt · reprimand
- adding insult to injurytwist the knife, make it worse, aggravate, worsen, exacerbate
- showing offboasting, bragged, show off, bragging, boasted
- mob attackswarm, mob, gang up, pile on, dogpile
rub it inlet it go
Cease fixating on something
show mercy · cut someone some slack · console · soften the blow · sugarcoat
rub it inturn a blind eye
Deliberately ignore something obvious
say nothing · look the other way · drop it · brush it off · gloss over
rub it inconsole
Comfort in distress
comfort · empathize · commiserate · be kind · soften the blow