butter up
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
A UK attempt to butter up the French leader, perhaps?
From BBC
Almost every coach or general manager butters up the people who are signing his paychecks.
From Los Angeles Times
At the center: six cinnamon rolls that a candidate alleged had been used to butter up voters during the tight mayoral race in October.
From Washington Post
The dinner service for the banquet dates back to George IV - and the motives, buttering up visiting dignitaries, are even older.
From BBC
“That, my boy, is the front-page article for tomorrow’s paper. Or at least it will be if I can butter up the head editor.”
From Literature
From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.