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Region: US | Usage example: He always butters up the boss before asking for a raise.

Butter up

Meaning

Flatter someone to gain favor.

Usage

Refers to insincere compliments for gain.

Origin & History

Origins and dates here are approximate summaries. Many idioms have disputed or unknown origins, and not every date has been checked against a historical dictionary, so treat specific dates and stories as a starting point rather than a citation.

Possibly from a custom of throwing butter at statues of gods in India, but this is not certain.

Recorded in the early 19th century.

Related Idioms

Bread and butter

The basic essentials or main source of income.

Pass the buck

Shift responsibility to someone else.

Pay it forward

Repay kindness by helping someone else instead of the original benefactor.

More Idioms

Break the ice

To do or say something to relieve tension or get conversation going in a social situation.

Cut to the chase

Skip ahead to the most important or exciting part of something.

The ball is in your court

It is now your turn to take action or make a decision.

Throw in the towel

To concede defeat or admit a struggle isn't worth continuing.