butter sb up

butter sb up is an idiom used by many writers. When idioms are used in the right place, they open the doors of effective communication and increase your descriptive power. In this way, you will be better understood. The meaning of the expression butter sb up is also remarkable in this respect.

Meaning of "butter sb up"

Meaning

The phrase ‘butter someone up’ is an idiom with a figurative meaning, which is to flatter someone in order to gain their favour. It is an attempt to persuade or influence an individual’s opinion or behaviour. A person who ‘butters someone up’ may employ tactics such as compliments, gifts, or other shows of kindness, with the goal of getting a desired result.

Etymology

The origin of this idiom is attributed to ancient Greece and Rome, where guests would bring bread and olive oil to the homes of their hosts as a sign of hospitality and friendship. This gesture would often be reciprocated by the hosts offering the visitors a generous pouring of butter as a gesture of hospitality. Secondly, a link can also be drawn to the tradition of ‘greasing the gears’ which was used to describe the act of bribery. This expression dates back to the early 20th century, where bribe money was literally referred to as ‘grease’ and used to ‘grease the wheels’ of a situation, in order to make them turn easier. Finally, the phrase ‘buttering up’ may have a similarity to the phrase ‘buttering someone’s bread’ which originates from the Midlands of England and is used to describe someone envying another’s success.

Usage

This expression is typically used as a warning in a situation where someone is trying to use flattery to gain favour. It could be used in a humorous way to describe one’s own attempts at making a good impression, or in a more serious way to describe the actions of someone who is trying to manipulate another. It can also be used to refer to someone who is over-doing the act of flattery, to the point where it can become insincere and obvious.

Example Sentences

• He was buttering her up with compliments all night so that she would agree to go out with him.
• Stop trying to butter me up - I’m already convinced.
• He was buttering up the boss in the hope that he would be given a promotion.

Idioms with similar meanings in different languages

"Barking up the wrong tree" is an English idiom that means to pursue a mistaken or misguided course of action. In German, the similar idiom is "Auf dem Holzweg sein," which translates to "To be on the wrong track." This idiom emphasizes the idea that when you are pursuing the wrong course of action, you are not going to achieve your desired outcome.