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kiss up to

B1 informal inseparable transitive
In simple words

To be overly nice to a particular person because you want something from them.

Meanings

1 B1 idiomatic informal

To use excessive flattery or compliance toward a specific person in order to gain favour or advantage.

"She was always kissing up to the department head, hoping for a better assignment."

Grammar: inseparable
Usage notes

This is the prepositional (inseparable) form. The object always follows 'to.' Strongly implies insincerity. Very common in North American English, especially among students and workers talking about colleagues.

Commonly used with

boss teacher professor manager supervisor coach

Forms

Base
kiss up to
I/you/we/they
3rd person
kisses up to
he/she/it
Past simple
kissed up to
yesterday
Past participle
kissed up to
have + pp
-ing form
kissing up to
continuous

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Synonyms

suck up to fawn over flatter toady to curry favour with kowtow to

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