Butter Someone Up

BUT-er sum-wun up

ˈbʌt.ər ˈsʌm.wʌn ʌp

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BUTtersomeoneup

To flatter someone excessively in order to gain their favor or get something from them.

He spent the whole lunch buttering up the manager before asking for a promotion.
Don't bother buttering me up — just tell me what you need.

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