curry favor
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Verb (transitive, usually used with "with"): To attempt to gain approval, advantage, or special treatment from someone, especially a superior, through excessive flattery, obsequious behavior, or attentiveness. The action is often viewed as insincere and self-serving.
Usage
The verb phrase "curry favor" is typically followed by the preposition "with" to indicate the person whose approval is being sought. It describes deliberate, often obvious, attempts to ingratiate oneself. * The junior analyst was transparently currying favor with the department head by always agreeing with him. * She avoided currying favor, preferring to earn respect through hard work. * He hoped to curry favor by volunteering for extra assignments.
Examples
- Some students try to curry favor with professors by complimenting their lectures excessively.
- The politician was accused of currying favor with wealthy donors by supporting their interests.
- It was obvious he was currying favor when he started bringing the manager coffee every morning.
Advanced Usage
- Historical Note: The phrase originates from the Old French "estriller fauvel," which referred to grooming a chestnut horse (Fauvel) that was a symbol of duplicity and cunning in a medieval satirical poem. The phrase entered English as "curry favel," which later morphed into the more meaningful "curry favor."
- Nuance: The term carries a strong negative connotation, implying the flattery is transparent, manipulative, and devoid of genuine respect.
Variants and Related Words
- Fawn (verb): To display exaggerated flattery or affection. (e.g., Servants would fawn over the king.)
- Kowtow (verb): To act in an excessively subservient manner. (e.g., He refused to kowtow to the demands of the corrupt official.)
- Sycophancy (noun): The behavior or practice of a sycophant (a person who uses flattery to win favor).
- Obsequious (adjective): Obedient or attentive to an excessive or servile degree.
Synonyms
- Ingratiate oneself
- Suck up (to) (informal)
- Brown-nose (vulgar slang)
- Toady
- Flatter
Related Phrasal Verbs/Idioms
- Butter someone up: (Idiom) To flatter someone, especially to prepare them to be asked a favor.
- He tried to butter up his boss before asking for a day off.
- Play up to someone: (Phrasal Verb) To try to gain someone's favor by flattering them or conforming to their wishes.
- She played up to the critics in hopes of a positive review.
Verb
- seek favor by fawning or flattery
- This employee is currying favor with his superordinates