Now, here's the rub

Meaning

This is a dramatic way to introduce the primary problem or the main complication in a situation. It signifies that you have reached the tricky part of the story.

Dramatic, knowing

Used in a sentence

• We have the money for the trip, but now here is the rub, we do not have a car to drive.
• I can fix the engine by Tuesday, but now here is the rub, the parts will not arrive until Friday.
• We want to move to the city, but now here is the rub, the rent is twice our current mortgage.