polish the apple

by A. Makkai, M.T. Boatner, J.E. Gates

[polish the apple] {v. phr.}, {slang} To try to make someone like you; to try to win favor by flattery.

* /Mary polished the apple at work because she wanted a day off./

* /Susan is the teacher's pet because she always polishes the apple./

- [apple polisher] {n.}, {slang} A person who is nice to the one in charge in order to be liked or treated better; a person who does favors for a superior.

* /Jane is an apple polisher. She is always helping the teacher and talking to him./

* /Joe is an apple-polisher. He will do anything for the boss./

Compare: EAGER BEAVER, YES-MAN. — [apple polishing] {n.}, {slang} Trying to win someone's good-will by small acts currying favor; the behavior of an apple polisher.

* /When John I brought his teacher flowers, everyone thought he was apple polishing./

Tags:


	{n.} ⁹¹² {slang} ⁵⁹³ {v. phr.} ²¹⁸³

Source: A Dictionary of American Idioms

To upper section: P


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	See also »
	apple polisher [apple polisher]; [apple polishing] See: POLISH THE APPLE. A Dictionary of American Idioms apple of one's eye [apple of one's eye] {n. phr.} Something or someone that is adored; a cherished person ... A Dictionary of American Idioms apple-pie order [apple-pie order] {n. phr.}, {informal} Exact orderly arrangement, neatness; tidy arrangement. * /The house was ... A Dictionary of American Idioms apple [apple] See: POLISH THE APPLE. A Dictionary of American Idioms butter up [butter up] {v.}, {informal} To try to get the favor or friendship of (a person) ... A Dictionary of American Idioms brown-nose [brown-nose] {v.}, {slang}, {avoidable}, {though gaining in acceptance} To curry favor in a subservient way, ... A Dictionary of American Idioms curry favor [curry favor] {v.} To flatter or serve someone to get his help or friendship. * ... A Dictionary of American Idioms

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