apple-polisher

Definition

Noun: - A person who flatters or ingratiates themselves with someone in authority: "apple-polisher" refers to an individual who uses excessive praise or sycophantic behavior to gain favor, especially in a workplace or academic setting. This term is informal and often derogatory.

Usage Examples

• (A person who flatters a superior excessively.)
• (The teacher recognized the insincere flattery.)

Advanced Usage

• "to be an apple-polisher": to habitually flatter someone for personal gain.
  • She became known as an apple-polisher after constantly praising the manager for promotions. (She gained a reputation for sycophantic behavior.)

Variants and Related Words

• Apple-polishing (noun/verb): the act of flattering someone to gain favor.
  • His constant apple-polishing annoyed his coworkers. (His flattery was irritating.)

Synonyms

• Sycophant: a person who acts obsequiously toward someone important to gain advantage.
• Toady: a person who behaves excessively humbly toward a superior.
• Bootlicker: a person who flatters someone in power for personal benefit.

Related Idioms

• Polish the apple: to flatter or curry favor with someone.
  • He's always polishing the apple with the principal. (He is always flattering the principal.)

Phrasal Verbs

• Apple-polish (someone): to flatter or ingratiate oneself with someone.
  • She tried to apple-polish the director to get the lead role. (She attempted to gain favor through flattery.)