Last Updated：2025/11/20

(transitive, figuratively, informal) To flatter, especially with the intent of personal gain.

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butter up

Source Word

butter up

Verb

figuratively informal transitive

(transitive, figuratively, informal) To flatter, especially with the intent of personal gain.

Japanese Meaning

（利益を得るために）お世辞を言う、甘言を用いる

He tried to butter up his boss before asking for a raise.

昇給をお願いする前に、彼は上司にお世辞を言って取り入ろうとした。

Sense（1）

(transitive, figuratively, informal) To flatter, especially with the intent of personal gain.

He takes every opportunity to butter up the boss.

butters up

（ present singular third-person ）

buttering up

（ participle present ）

buttered up

（ participle past ）

buttered up

（ past ）