honey up
C1 informal separable transitive
In simple words
Be super sweet and nice to someone because you want something from them
Literal meaning: To coat someone with honey, making them sweet and favorable toward you
Meanings
1 C1
idiomatic
informal
To flatter someone or act in an overly sweet manner in order to gain their goodwill or something you want
"She tried to honey up the landlord before asking for a rent reduction."
Grammar: separable
Usage notes
Rare; found mainly in informal American English, especially in Southern dialects. Often implies insincerity. Very similar to 'butter up' but less commonly known. May be heard in older or rural speech.
Commonly used with
boss parents teacher judge client
Forms
Base
honey up
I/you/we/they
3rd person
honeys up
he/she/it
Past simple
honeyed up
yesterday
Past participle
honeyed up
have + pp
-ing form
honeying up
continuous
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