Idiom meaning, usage examples, facts
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BUTTER (SOMEONE) UP
to flatter someone, usually excessively, in order to gain a favor
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1. My husband brought me candy and sent flowers, and now he’s telling me how good my cooking is. I think he wants something and he’s trying to butter me up so that I’ll agree.
2. If you want the professor to do you a favor, just ask her. Don’t butter her up. This idiom is a reference to the act of ‘covering’ someone in praise or flattery, like covering a slice of bread with butter. |
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