sweet-talk
Verb: * To persuade or influence someone by using flattery, charming words, or insincere praise. The action involves coaxing someone to do something they might not otherwise do, often in a smooth, beguiling, or manipulative manner.
The verb "sweet-talk" is used to describe the act of using flattering speech to achieve a goal. It is often used in informal contexts and can have a slightly negative connotation, implying the persuasion is not entirely honest or straightforward. * It is commonly used with the preposition "into" to indicate the action the speaker is trying to persuade someone to perform (e.g., sweet-talk someone into doing something). * It can also be used with a direct object without "into" when the focus is on the act of flattering itself.
- He managed to sweet-talk the guard into letting him in after hours.
- Don't try to sweet-talk me; I know you just want to borrow my car.
- She can sweet-talk anyone into agreeing with her point of view.
- As a noun (hyphenated): The act or an instance of using flattering speech.
- It took a lot of sweet-talk to get that reservation.
- "sweet-talk one's way out of": To use flattery to avoid a negative consequence or duty.
- He always tries to sweet-talk his way out of trouble.
- Sweet talker (n): A person who habitually uses flattery to persuade.
- Be careful, he's a real sweet talker.
- Cajole: To persuade with gentle and repeated appeals, flattery, or false promises.
- Coax: To persuade gently and patiently.
- Wheedle: To use flattery or coaxing to gain something desired.
- Butter up (idiom, phrasal verb): To flatter someone excessively, especially to gain a favor.
- Bully: To use force or threats to persuade.
- Coerce: To compel by force, intimidation, or authority.
- Order: To command authoritatively.
- Soft-soap: (Verb, informal) To flatter or use smooth, persuasive talk, very similar in meaning to "sweet-talk."
- He tried to soft-soap his boss for a raise.
- Get around someone: To persuade someone, especially by using charm.
- She knows how to get around her father.
- influence or urge by gentle urging, caressing, or flattering
- He palavered her into going along