Butter up

usgb
verb

To flatter or praise someone excessively to gain favor.

She always butters up the teacher in hopes of getting good grades.
Visual representation of "butter up" - To flatter or praise someone excessively to gain favor

Often appears as...

  • butter up the boss
  • butter up a teacher

Usage tips

Informal

Idiomatic

Definition 1 of 1
Visual representation of "butter up"
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Social Dynamics

Use 'butter up' to describe strategic flattery in social interactions, especially to get what you want.

Illustration for Social Dynamics
He's trying to butter up his uncle to borrow the car.
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Sincerity Questioned

When someone butters up another, it might imply the flattery isn’t genuine and has a motive.

Illustration for Sincerity Questioned
People can tell when you're just trying to butter them up.
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Casual Context

The phrase 'butter up' is casual, more suitable for conversations than formal writing.

Illustration for Casual Context
I need to butter up my sister before I ask for a favor.
Visual representation of the word "Butter up"

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