Cozy up to Meaning in English
expression
ˈkoʊzi/ /ˈəp/ /ˈtu/, /tə/, /tɪ
KOH-zee UP too (or tuh, or ti)
ˈkəʊzi/ /ˈʌp/ /tˈuː
KOH-zee UP TOO
Definition
To try to become friendly with someone, often to get something you want or gain favor. It can also mean to move close for warmth or comfort.
Usage & Nuances
Often informal and slightly negative when about seeking favor ('cozy up to the boss'). Also used literally for cuddling up for warmth. Don't confuse with only being friendly—implies a motive.
Spanish: acercarse a alguien (para agradar) - congraciarse conPortuguese (BR): se aproximar a (para agradar) - bajularPortuguese (PT): aproximar-se de (para agradar) - bajularChinese (Simplified): 讨好 - 巴结 (人)Chinese (Traditional): 討好 - 巴結 (人)Hindi: चापलूसी करना - खुशामद करनाArabic: يتقرب إلى (لتملق) - يداهنBengali: তেল মারা - ভালো ব্যবহার করা (স্বার্থের জন্য) - গা ঘেঁষে বসা (উষ্ণতার জন্য)Russian: подлизываться - приближаться (для уюта)Japanese: ご機嫌を取る - すり寄る - 寄り添う (暖を取る)Vietnamese: lấy lòng - làm thân (để được lợi) - xích lại gần (để ấm hơn)Korean: 아부하다 - 다가가다 (따뜻함/편안함을 위해)Turkish: yaltaklanmak - yanaşmak (ısınmak/rahatlamak için)Urdu: چاپلوسی کرنا - قریب آنا (گرمی یا آرام کے لیے)Indonesian: menjilat - mendekat (untuk kehangatan/kenyamanan)
Example Sentences
She tried to cozy up to her teacher to get better grades.
basic
The cat likes to cozy up to me when it's cold.
basic
People often cozy up to powerful leaders.
basic
He's always trying to cozy up to the boss during meetings.
natural
Don't cozy up to me just because you need a favor.
natural
After the argument, he tried to cozy up to his wife by making her tea.
natural