kissing up to
Buttering someone up
Kissing up to someone means flattering or being excessively agreeable toward them, usually to gain favor or advantage.
The phrase suggests insincere behavior motivated by self-interest rather than genuine admiration.
He's always kissing up to the boss, hoping for a promotion.
The expression carries a mildly contemptuous tone, implying the person doing it lacks dignity or authenticity.
- self-interestConcern for personal advantage
- flatteryExcessive insincere praise
- buttering upExcessive flattery for advantage
- kowtowingSubmissive display of respect
- sycophancyObsequious behavior toward authority
brown-nosing · brown noser · currying favor · power imbalance · obsequiousness · groveling · favoritism · insecurity · bootlicking · pandering · opportunism · ambition · fawning · teacher's pet · apple-polishing · social climbing · corporate ladder · dependency
kissing up toputting down
Criticizing harshly or placing
talking down to · disrespecting · defying · standing up to · snubbing
kissing up todefying
Actively refusing obedience
standing up to · disrespecting · opposing · confronting · challenging