buttering up
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Meanwhile, the buttering up risks making Mr. Trump look like a chump if the Chinese don’t give him something in return.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 21, 2026
Before Musk decided to exit OpenAI, Brockman described his attempts to gain more control over the company, an effort that included "buttering up" Brockman and another co-founder, Ilya Sutskever.
From BBC ● May 5, 2026
Besides, Colby has long displayed a knack for buttering up his superiors.
From Slate ● Jul. 8, 2025
Mall operators are responding in part by upgrading their food game and buttering up desirable restaurateurs with the favorable rent and other concessions that used to go to department stores.
From Los Angeles Times ● Dec. 26, 2017
"She's already started buttering up Mantelish," said Trigger.
From Legacy by James H. Schmitz
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