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apple–polish

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verb ap·ple–pol·ish \ˈa-pəl-ˌpä-lish\

Definition of apple–polish

  1. intransitive verb

  2. :  to attempt to ingratiate oneself :  toady

  3. transitive verb

  4. :  to curry favor with (as by flattery)

apple–polisher

noun

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Origin and Etymology of apple–polish

from the traditional practice of schoolchildren bringing a shiny apple as a gift to their teacher

apple–polish Synonyms

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

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