What does "cosy up" mean?

Try to become friendly with someone for your own benefit. For example: The new supplier cosied up to the cafe owner.

cosy 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.

“The new supplier cosied up to the cafe owner.”

The supplier tried to become friendly with the cafe owner to win business.

“Jay cosied up to the group before asking to join the project.”

Jay tried to become friendly with the group so they would include him.

Test yourself

“The new supplier cosied up to the cafe owner.” What does it mean?

Nearby in the meaning map

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

butter up

Same up pattern: pleasing

Flatter someone so they will help you

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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