Suck up to Meaning in English
expression
ˈsək/ /ˈəp/ /ˈtu/, /tə/, /tɪ
SUHK-ŭp-too, SUHK-ŭp-tuh, SUHK-ŭp-tih
sˈʌk/ /ˈʌp/ /tˈuː
SUHK-ŭp-TOO
Definition
To try very hard to please someone, especially someone in authority, in order to get advantages or favors; to flatter excessively.
Usage & Nuances
Informal and sometimes negative; implies insincerity or manipulation. Common after 'always', 'try to', or before 'the boss/teacher'. Similar to 'kiss up to' or 'brown-nose'. Avoid using directly to someone, as it can offend.
Spanish: adular - hacer la pelota a - ser un pelotaPortuguese (BR): puxar o saco de - bajularPortuguese (PT): puxar o saco de - bajularChinese (Simplified): 拍马屁Chinese (Traditional): 拍馬屁Hindi: चापलूसी करनाArabic: يتملقBengali: তেল মারা - চাটুকারি করাRussian: подлизываться - лизоблюдствоватьJapanese: ご機嫌を取る - ゴマをするVietnamese: nịnh bợ - luồn cúiKorean: 아부하다 - 알랑거리다Turkish: yalakalık yapmak - yağ çekmekUrdu: خوشامد کرنا - چاپلوسی کرناIndonesian: menjilat - cari muka
Example Sentences
He always sucks up to his boss to get a promotion.
basic
Stop sucking up to the teacher just to get good grades.
basic
She sucks up to anyone with power.
basic
You don’t have to suck up to him—just be yourself.
natural
People notice when you suck up to the boss all the time.
natural
Is he really that nice, or is he just sucking up to you?
natural