rub off (on someone) [for a characteristic of one person] to seem to transfer to someone else. I'll sit by Ann. She has been lucky all evening. Maybe it'll rub off on me. Sorry. I don't think that luck rubs off. ( of personal qualities, behavior, opinions, etc) to become part of a person's character as a result of that person spending time with sb who has those qualities, etc: My MF's hyperbolic constructions rub off on this head-man! Lets hope some of John's good ideas rub off on all of us!