kiss up

Verb

idiomatic transitive intransitive

Japanese Meaning

（職場などで）上司などにおべっかを使い、特別な待遇や利益を狙うこと / ごますりする、へつらう

She tried to kiss up to the department head by complimenting every idea he presented.

彼女は部長に取り入ろうとして、彼が提示するすべてのアイデアを褒めた。

Sense（1）

(transitive, idiomatic) To pay false flattery to another, particularly a superior at work, in order to get special attention.

Yes, I watched Joe kissing up the boss and was very annoyed when he got my promotion!

Sense（2）

(intransitive, idiomatic) To pay false flattery.

He kisses up more than he works.

kisses up

（ present singular third-person ）

kissing up

（ participle present ）

kissed up

（ participle past ）

kissed up

（ past ）