Kiss up to Meaning in English
expression
KISS-up-too, KISS-up-tuh, KISS-up-tih
kiss-UP-too
Definition
To act very nice or flatter someone, especially someone in power, in order to gain a personal advantage.
Usage & Nuances
This is a strongly negative, informal expression. Most often used for workplace or school situations. Synonyms include 'suck up to' and 'brown-nose'. It suggests insincerity and is not a compliment.
Spanish: adular - hacer la pelota a - ser un zalamero conPortuguese (BR): bajular - puxar o saco dePortuguese (PT): bajular - ser graxista comChinese (Simplified): 拍马屁Chinese (Traditional): 拍馬屁Hindi: चापलूसी करनाArabic: يتملقBengali: তেল মারা - তোষামোদ করা - চামচামি করাRussian: подлизываться - лизоблюдствоватьJapanese: ごますりをする - おべっかを使うVietnamese: nịnh bợ - a duaKorean: 아부하다 - 알랑거리다Turkish: yaltaklanmak - yağ çekmekUrdu: خوشامد کرنا - چاپلوسی کرناIndonesian: menjilat - cari muka
Example Sentences
He always kisses up to the boss to get special treatment.
basic
You don't need to kiss up to your teacher; just do your work well.
basic
Some people kiss up to important guests at parties.
basic
Stop trying to kiss up to her—she sees right through it.
natural
If you kiss up to everyone, people won't respect you.
natural
No matter how much you kiss up to the manager, he won't change his mind.
natural