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."
separable
honey up
C1 informal separable transitive
To flatter someone excessively in order to win their favor or get something from them
In plain English
Be super sweet and nice to someone because you want something from them
What does "honey up" mean?
One main meaning — here's how to use it.
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To coat someone with honey, making them sweet and favorable toward you
Actually means
Be super sweet and nice to someone because you want something from them
Usage tip
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.
Words that pair with "honey up"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
boss parents teacher judge client
How to conjugate "honey up"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
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
Hear "honey up" in the wild
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Other ways to say "honey up"
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