the rub
noun
formal
: something that causes a difficulty or problem
She's an amazing cook, but she rarely has time to make meals. There's the rub.
Therein/There lies the rub.
Examples of the rub in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
But here’s the rub: the Padres aren’t talented enough to get to and win a World Series with Grade-F offensive production at one position.
—
Tom Krasovic, San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 July 2025
And that’s the rub: Loyalty is no longer about exclusive relationships.
—Jeff Fromm, Forbes.com, 18 May 2025
But here's the rub: Vic and Al's operates as a counter-service establishment and doesn't take reservations.
—Ana Gutierrez, Austin American Statesman, 2 July 2025
Therein lies the rub of the SEC and ACC playing eight conference games, while the Big Ten and Big 12 play nine.
—Blake Toppmeyer, The Tennessean, 2 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for the rub
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Tom Krasovic, San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 July 2025
And that’s the rub: Loyalty is no longer about exclusive relationships.
—Jeff Fromm, Forbes.com, 18 May 2025
But here's the rub: Vic and Al's operates as a counter-service establishment and doesn't take reservations.
—Ana Gutierrez, Austin American Statesman, 2 July 2025
Therein lies the rub of the SEC and ACC playing eight conference games, while the Big Ten and Big 12 play nine.
—Blake Toppmeyer, The Tennessean, 2 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for the rub
Cite this Entry
“The rub.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/the%20rub. Accessed 25 Jul. 2025.
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