apple-polish: meaning & examples

Meanings:

• 1.

  American Englishinformal
  • To flatter or ingratiate oneself with someone, especially in order to gain favor, advantage, or preferential treatment.

  Examples

  Beta

  • Tom was clearly apple-polishing the manager before the big promotion announcement.

    Tom estaba claramente adulando al gerente antes del gran anuncio de la promoción.

  • I won't apple-polish just to get ahead; I'd rather earn respect honestly.

    No voy a adular solo para avanzar; prefiero ganarme el respeto honestamente.

  • She had been apple-polishing the professor all semester to secure a better grade.

    Ella había estado adulando al profesor durante todo el semestre para asegurar una mejor nota.

• 2.

  American Englishinformal
  • A nounal use denoting flattery or obsequious behavior intended to win favor.

  Examples

  Beta

  • His constant apple-polish made it obvious he wanted a raise.

    Su constante adulación dejaba claro que quería un aumento.

  • The team's apple-polish was so transparent that the coach didn't fall for it.

    La adulación del equipo fue tan transparente que el entrenador no se la creyó.

  • I can’t stand the apple-polish in that office; it makes everyone seem insincere.

    No soporto la adulación en esa oficina; hace que todos parezcan insinceros.