rub someone's nose in it

Slang definitions & phrases for rub someone's nose in it

rub someone's nose in it

verb phrase

To punish or chide with undue harshness: I screwed up that one time, and they rubbed my nose in it for years

[1940s+; fr the punishment of a puppy or kitten that has irresponsibly evacuated]


Idioms and Phrases with rub someone's nose in it

rub someone's nose in it

Bring something, especially an error or fault, repeatedly and forcefully to someone's attention. For example, I know I was wrong, but don't rub my nose in it. This expression alludes to the unkind practice of housebreaking a dog by rubbing its nose in its feces. [ Mid-1900s ]