butter 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.

The con works like this: Victims are buttered up by the scammer for weeks and even months to gain the victim’s trust.

From Washington Times

Electric and gas utilities have used money collected from customers to lobby lawmakers, butter up regulators, and slow the shift to clean energy.

From Salon

At the center: six cinnamon rolls that a candidate alleged had been used to butter up voters during the tight mayoral race in October.

From Washington Post

The dinner service for the banquet dates back to George IV - and the motives, buttering up visiting dignitaries, are even older.

From BBC

Just in case, he buttered up the locals like a Parker House roll.

From Seattle Times