Butter up Meaning in English
expression
ˈbətɝ/ /ˈəp
BUH-ter UP
bˈʌtɐ/ /ˈʌp
BUT-uh UP
Definition
To flatter someone a lot, usually to get a favor or something you want from them.
Usage & Nuances
Informal and sometimes playful or negative. Common collocations: 'try to butter up the boss', 'stop buttering me up'. Often implies insincerity. Related to 'flatter', but usually with a clear goal.
Spanish: adular - hacer la pelotaPortuguese (BR): bajular - puxar o sacoPortuguese (PT): bajular - fazer graxaChinese (Simplified): 拍马屁 - 奉承Chinese (Traditional): 拍馬屁 - 奉承Hindi: चापलूसी करनाArabic: يتملقBengali: তোয়াজ করা - অতিরিক্ত প্রশংসা করাRussian: льстить - подлизыватьсяJapanese: ご機嫌を取る - ゴマをするVietnamese: nịnh nọt - lấy lòngKorean: 아부하다 - 비위를 맞추다Turkish: yağ çekmek - pohpohlamakUrdu: خوشامد کرنا - چاپلوسی کرناIndonesian: menjilat - membujuk dengan pujian
Example Sentences
He always butters up the teacher before asking for help.
basic
You don't need to butter up your parents to get permission.
basic
Stop trying to butter up the boss.
basic
Are you trying to butter me up so I'll do your homework?
natural
She tried to butter up her boss with compliments before asking for a raise.
natural
No amount of gifts will butter up the committee if your proposal isn't strong.
natural