Pay court to somebody

usgb
verb phrase

To try to win the affection, favor, or support of someone, often with flattery or attention.

He was constantly paying court to his boss in hopes of a promotion.
Visual representation of "pay court to somebody" - To try to win the affection, favor, or support of someone, often with flattery or attention.

Often appears as...

  • pay court to a lady
  • pay court to a boss

Usage tips

Formal

Idiomatic

Definition 1 of 2
Visual representation of "pay court to somebody"
LampPro Tip 1/3

Social Climbing

The phrase often implies someone is flattering a superior for personal gain or advancement.

Illustration for Social Climbing
Juliane paid court to the company director, laughing at all his jokes.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Strategic Flattery

Using 'pay court to' can suggest a calculated effort to influence someone with authority.

Illustration for Strategic Flattery
Mark paid court to the lead investor at every meeting.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Perception of Insincerity

The phrase may carry a negative tone, implying insincere or opportunistic behavior.

Illustration for Perception of Insincerity
As she paid court to her wealthy aunt, her cousins rolled their eyes.
Visual representation of the word "Pay court to somebody"

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