Lick somebody’s boots
verb
To flatter, praise, or try to please someone, especially someone in a position of authority.
He will have to learn to lick his boss's boots if he hopes to get a promotion.
Often appears as...
- lick someone's boots for promotion
- lick someone's boots to please them
Usage tips
Informal, Disapproving
Idiomatic
verb
To flatter, praise, or try to please someone, especially someone in a position of authority.
He will have to learn to lick his boss's boots if he hopes to get a promotion.
Often appears as...
- lick someone's boots for promotion
- lick someone's boots to please them
Usage tips
Informal, Disapproving
Idiomatic
Definition 1 of 1
Pro Tip 1/3Negative Connotation
The phrase often implies desperation or subservience, and is usually viewed negatively.
As soon as the supervisor walked in, Mark started to lick his boots, losing respect.
Pro Tip 2/3Metaphorical Use
It's used metaphorically to describe overly flattering behavior, not literal boot-licking.
Sarah didn't actually lick her boss's boots; she just compliments him excessively.
Pro Tip 3/3Informal Speech
Commonly used in informal situations among friends or in casual conversation.
He's licking the teacher's boots to get a good grade, which everyone finds annoying.
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