Meaning: This idiom means to flatter someone excessively or give them praise in order to gain their favor or to achieve a specific outcome.
Usage in Example Sentences:
- “She always butters up her boss before asking for a raise.”
- “If you want his support on the project, you’ll have to butter him up a bit.”
- “He’s been buttering up the committee members to ensure they approve his proposal.”
Origin: The origin of the idiom “butter someone up” is thought to come from an ancient Indian custom of throwing balls of butter at statues of gods to seek favor and forgiveness. The metaphorical use of “butter” implies spreading something smooth and pleasing, much like how butter enhances the flavor of food. This idea was extended to describe flattering someone to make them more agreeable or receptive to one’s requests or desires.
