Definition of the word rub in

The origin of the phrase "rub in" can be traced back to the mid-19th century, when it was commonly used to describe the process of applying a healing salve or ointment to a painful or sore area of the body. In this context, "rub in" would mean to massage the ointment into the skin until it was fully absorbed. Over time, the meaning of the phrase has broadened to include various other applications. In the context of athletics or physical therapy, "rub in" still refers to massaging ointment into a sore or tight muscle in order to promote healing or alleviate pain. However, it can also be used more generally to mean applying a substance or product to a person or object in a firm or thorough manner. In cooking, for example, "rub in" may refer to the process of blending butter or shortening into flour until the mixture has a crumbly, sand-like texture. This technique is used in making pie crusts or other baked goods. In this case, "rub in" is a shorthand way of describing the process of working the ingredients together by hand in a methodical and systematic way. In summary, the phrase "rub in" originated as a medical term for applying a salve or ointment to the skin, but has since evolved to describe a variety of applications depending on the context. Overall, it continues to be a helpful and versatile expression that's used in a variety of situations, from sports to cooking to other domains where a thorough and vigorous application is required.