kiss up
B1 informal intransitive
In simple words
To be extra nice to someone important so they will like you and give you things.
Meanings
1 B1
idiomatic
informal
To behave in an excessively complimentary or servile way in order to gain favor, especially from someone in authority.
"Everyone could see he was kissing up to get promoted before the annual review."
Usage notes
Chiefly North American. Strongly negative connotation — implies dishonest or self-serving flattery. Often followed by 'to' when a specific target is named ('kiss up to the boss'). Common in school and workplace contexts.
Commonly used with
boss teacher manager always constantly trying to
Forms
Base
kiss up
I/you/we/they
3rd person
kisses up
he/she/it
Past simple
kissed up
yesterday
Past participle
kissed up
have + pp
-ing form
kissing up
continuous
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Synonyms
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