A little massage from Ruby? (3)

I believe the answer is:

rub

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'a little massage' is the definition.
'rub' can be an answer for 'massage' (I've seen this in another clue). I'm not sure about the 'a little' bit.

I can't explain the rest of the clue.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for rub that I've seen before include "Chafe; difficulty" , "Copy (a church brass)" , "Central difficulty" , "Work in" , "Advice to Aladdin" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.

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