suck up

Verb

• try to gain favor by cringing or flattering
  • He is always kowtowing to his boss
    

• ingratiate oneself to; often with insincere behavior
  • She is playing up to the chairman
    

• take in, also metaphorically
  • The sponge absorbs water well
    
  • She drew strength from the minister's words
    

Related words

• Synonyms: 
  fawn , toady , truckle , bootlick , kowtow , kotow , cozy up , cotton up , shine up , play up , sidle up , absorb , suck , imbibe , soak up , sop up , draw , take in , take up