What does "butter up" mean?

Flatter someone so they will help you. For example: Mia buttered up her brother before asking for a lift.

butter up

phrasal verb·1 sense·particle up

Meanings

Why “up”? You try to please someone, so they will like you, approve of you, or help you.

“Mia buttered up her brother before asking for a lift.”

Mia said nice things to her brother so he might drive her.

“They buttered up the client before the price talk.”

They said nice things to the client so the client would feel more open.

Test yourself

“Mia buttered up her brother before asking for a lift.” What does it mean?

Nearby in the meaning map

Sink In connects verbs by particle pattern, contrast pairs, and shared base verbs.

cosy up

Same up pattern: pleasing

Try to become friendly with someone for your own benefit

kiss up

Same up pattern: pleasing

Try to gain favour by flattering someone

play up

Same up pattern: pleasing

Cause problems by misbehaving or malfunctioning; Act in a way that pleases someone or a group

suck up

Same up pattern: pleasing

Try to gain favour by flattering someone

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