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 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.
- 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.
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Source: A Dictionary of American Idioms
