be rubbing (one's) hands (with glee)

To be very enthusiastic or happy about something, typically another's misfortune. The CEO was practically rubbing his hands with glee when he heard that our rival company had gone bankrupt. Yeah, Mom only yelled at me for that dumb stuff we were doing. You don't need to be rubbing your hands about it, though! Dude, I know you're happy that Janie dumped Mike and is now single again, but pull it together—you're just about rubbing your hands with glee.

be rubbing your hands

be rubbing your hands together

mainly BRITISH

COMMON If someone is rubbing their hands or rubbing their hands together, they are very pleased or excited about something. The four remaining firms will be rubbing their hands at the prospect of new clients and fat fees. The folks at the record company must have been rubbing their hands together when they heard this band. Note: This expression is often used to imply that someone is being greedy or is unpleasantly pleased about someone else's failure.