curry favor

curry favor {v.}

To flatter or serve someone to get his help or friendship.

Joe tried to curry favor with the new teacher by doing little services that she didn't really want.

Jim tried to curry favor with the new girl by telling her she was the prettiest girl in the class.

Compare: POLISH THE APPLE.

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Source: A Dictionary of American Idioms

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brown-nose

[brown-nose] {v.}, {slang}, {avoidable}, {though gaining in acceptance} To curry favor in a subservient way, as by obviously exaggerated flattery. * /Max brown-noses his teachers, that's why he gets all […] A Dictionary of American Idioms

in favor of

[in favor of] {prep.} On the side of; in agreement with. * /Everyone in the class voted in favor of the party./ * /Most girls are in favor of wearing […] A Dictionary of American Idioms

favor

[favor] See: [CURRY FAVOR], [IN FAVOR OF]. A Dictionary of American Idioms

polish the apple

[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 Dictionary of American Idioms

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