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."
inseparable
kiss up to
B1 informal inseparable transitive
To flatter or behave obsequiously toward a specific person in order to gain their approval or favour.
In plain English
To be overly nice to a particular person because you want something from them.
What does "kiss up to" mean?
One main meaning — here's how to use it.
Usage tip
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.
Words that pair with "kiss up to"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
boss teacher professor manager supervisor coach
How to conjugate "kiss up to"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
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
Hear "kiss up to" in the wild
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Other ways to say "kiss up to"
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