apple polisher
Definition
Noun: A person who uses excessive flattery or obsequious behavior to gain favor, especially from someone in authority; a sycophant. The term implies a lack of self-respect in the pursuit of approval or advantage.
Usage
The term "apple polisher" is used to describe a person whose actions are seen as insincerely flattering or overly eager to please superiors. It is typically used in a critical or disapproving manner.
Examples
- Noun:
- Everyone knew he was just an apple polisher, always complimenting the boss to get a promotion.
- She refused to be an apple polisher, preferring to earn respect through hard work.
Advanced Usage
- The term originates from the practice of students literally polishing an apple and giving it to a teacher as a gesture to curry favor.
- It often describes behavior in hierarchical settings like schools, offices, or any situation with a clear authority figure.
Variants and Related Words
- Apple-polishing (noun): The act of behaving like an apple polisher.
- His constant apple-polishing was transparent to everyone in the department.
Synonyms
- Sycophant: A person who acts obsequiously toward someone important to gain advantage.
- Bootlicker: A person who behaves in a servile or obsequious way.
- Toady: A person who flatters or defers to others in a servile way.
- Yes-man: A person who always agrees with superiors to gain favor.
Idioms and Related Phrases
- To polish the apple: To engage in the act of apple-polishing.
- He spent the whole meeting polishing the apple, agreeing with every point the director made.
Noun
-
someone who humbles himself as a sign of respect; who behaves as if he had no self-respect
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