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jolly along

C1 informal separable transitive
In simple words

To make someone feel happy and keep them going by saying nice or encouraging things.

Meanings

1 C1 idiomatic informal

To keep someone happy and cooperative by encouraging them or flattering them, often to get something done.

"The manager jollied his team along with praise and promises of an early finish."

Grammar: separable
2 C1 idiomatic informal

To make progress seem more pleasant or to hurry someone along in a cheerful manner.

"She jollied the children along on the long walk with stories and games."

Grammar: separable
Usage notes

Primarily British English. Suggests a somewhat paternalistic or managing attitude — the speaker is keeping someone in good spirits, sometimes to their own advantage. Not commonly used by younger speakers; considered a slightly old-fashioned or middle-class British expression.

Commonly used with

client colleague child reluctant difficult workers

Forms

Base
jolly along
I/you/we/they
3rd person
jollies along
he/she/it
Past simple
jollied along
yesterday
Past participle
jollied along
have + pp
-ing form
jollying along
continuous

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