cosy up to

Seek someone's approval

To cosy up to someone is to ingratiate yourself with them, typically for personal advantage.

The phrase suggests cultivating closeness that may be calculated rather than genuine: She's been cosying up to the boss lately.

The British spelling cosy becomes cozy in American English.

The literal sense—to move physically closer for warmth or comfort—is less common than the figurative one implying flattery or strategic friendliness.

ingratiate

flatter

Praise to please

court · woo · fawn · charm · curry favor · sweet-talk · win over · play up to · soft-soap · brownnose

befriend

buddy up

Form a pair

chum up · get in with · make friends · companion

Opposites
interpersonal warmth/distance

cosy up tokeep at arm's length

Maintain deliberate distance from

shun · cold-shoulder · avoid · steer clear of · give the cold shoulder

ingratiation/alienation

cosy up toantagonize

Incite hostility in

alienate · repel · offend · turn against · cross

social authenticity

cosy up tolevel with

Speak honestly to

Family

cosy, cozy, cosier, cosiest, coziest, cosily, cozily, cosiness, coziness

Familiarity
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Known to kids · Timeless · Everyday, not technical · Rated G