idiom
butter someone up
BUT-er SUM-wun UP
ˈbʌtər ˈsʌmwʌn ʌpListen
Hear it in a clear American voice. Slow it down to catch each syllable.
Syllable breakdown
buttersomeoneup
Dictionary meaning
To flatter someone in order to gain a favour.
Examples
- She kept buttering the boss up before asking for a pay rise.
Learn one new pronunciation a day
Get a word, name or idiom like “butter someone up” in your inbox — daily or weekly, free. Unsubscribe any time.
Something wrong? Suggest a correction