apple-polish

apple–polish

verb

Definition of APPLE-POLISH

to use flattery or the doing of favors in order to win approval especially from a superior <a departmental supervisor who apple-polishes shamelessly whenever higher-ups are about>

Synonyms apple-polish, bootlick, fuss, kowtow, suck (up), toady, truckle

Related Words drool, gush, slaver, slobber; endear, ingratiate; court, woo; adulate, idolize, worship; blandish, cajole, coax, flatter, overpraise, soft-soap; cower, cringe, grovel; abase, debase, demean; defer, submit, yield

Near Antonyms despise, disdain, scorn; gibe (or jibe), jeer, scoff; brave, challenge, defy

Seen & Heard

What made you want to look up apple-polish? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).