rub something/somebody ↔ down phrasal verb (see also rub)

1. to make a surface smooth by rubbing it with sandpaper:
That door needs rubbing down before you paint it.

2. to dry a person or animal by rubbing them with a cloth, towel etc:
The groom rubbed down the horses.

3. to massage someone, especially after exercise

[TahlilGaran] Dictionary of Contemporary English ▲

rub down
v. phr.
1. To dry the body of (an animal or person) by rubbing.
Stablemen rub down a horse after a race.
2. To rub and press with the fingers on the body of (a person) to loosen muscles or prevent stiffness; massage.
Trainers rub down an athlete after hard exercise.

[TahlilGaran] English Idioms Dictionary ▲