rub one's hands

rub (one's) hands

To be in keen or greedy anticipation (of something). The announcement has many shareholders rubbing their hands gleefully, as their investments will likely double almost overnight. We were rubbing our hands at the thought of a rematch against the team that robbed us of a spot in the finals so many years ago.See also: hand, rub

rub one's hands

Experience or exhibit pleased anticipation or self-satisfaction, as in The owner rubbed his hands as the customer picked out item after item. This metaphoric term alludes to the actual rubbing together of one's hands to express pleasure. See also: hand, rub