butter up

Meaning: to say nice things to someone before asking them to do something for you or to give you something

Synonym: flatter

For example:

butter sb up If my daughter wants something, she butters me up with a hug and a few nice words before asking me for it.
butter up sb You'll probably have to butter up the guys who run the place before they'll agree to help you out.

Quick Quiz:

Johnny is very good at buttering somebody up before

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