English / phrasal verb
butter up
MEANING IN ENGLISH
To flatter or praise someone excessively in order to gain a favor or secure resources
In context
01
Relief workers tried to butter up the local fuel depot owner to secure extra diesel for the flood pumps.
02
You do not need to butter up the shelter manager; aid supplies are allocated strictly based on need.
Synonyms
flatter,sweet-talk,cajole
Antonyms
criticize,confront,insult
Collocations
butter up officials,butter someone up,try to butter up