BUTTER UP

Pronunciation (US):

(GB):

IPA (US):

 Dictionary entry overview: What does butter up mean? 

• BUTTER UP (verb)
  The verb BUTTER UP has 1 sense:

1. flatter with the intention of getting something

  Familiarity information: BUTTER UP used as a verb is very rare.

 Dictionary entry details 

• BUTTER UP (verb)

Sense 1

Meaning:

Flatter with the intention of getting something

Classified under:

Verbs of telling, asking, ordering, singing

Synonyms:

brown-nose; butter up

Hypernyms (to "butter up" is one way to...):

blandish; flatter (praise somewhat dishonestly)

Sentence frame:

Somebody ----s somebody

Sentence example:

Sam cannot butter up Sue