rub someone's nose in something

rub (one's) nose in it

To remind one of one's failures or wrongdoings. Whenever I make a mistake, my obnoxious co-worker is always eager to rub my nose in it.See also: nose, rub

rub someone's nose in something (or rub it in)

emphatically or repeatedly draw someone's attention to an embarrassing or painful fact. informal This expression comes from the mistaken belief that the way to house-train a puppy or kitten is to rub their noses in their faeces or urine if they have made a mess indoors. 1963 P. M. Hubbard Flush as May I'm sorry. I've said I'm sorry…Don't rub my nose in it. See also: nose, rub, something