curry favor, to
Definition: To flatter insincerely in order to get ahead. The phrase can be traced back to a 14th-century satirical romance where grooming (or “currying”) a horse symbolized flattering and sycophantic behavior.
Related and Similar Terms
- Brown-nosing: Engaging in sycophantry.
- Apple-polishing: Engaging in excessive flattery.
- Kissing up: Groveling or sycophantic behavior.
- Sucking up: To behave obsequiously.
Proverbs and Expressions
- “Flattery will get you nowhere.”
- “Sugar catches more flies than vinegar.”
- “Beware of the flatterer; he feeds you with an empty spoon.”
Related Literature, Songs, and Movies
- Book: “Catch-22” by Joseph Heller - A satirical novel where characters often curry favor with superiors to avoid combat missions.
- Book: “Animal Farm” by George Orwell – Demonstrates various attempts to curry favor amongst cunning characters.
- Song: “You’re So Vain” by Carly Simon - Captures the essence of vanity and insincere admiration.
- Movie: “The Devil Wears Prada” - Where characters often curry favor with the fearsome boss, Miranda Priestly.
Quotes:
- “Tis an old maxim in the schools, That flattery’s the food of fools.” - Jonathan Swift
Quizzes
### Which phrase means to flatter insincerely?
- [x] Curry favor
- [ ] Fly on cloud muffins
- [ ] Drink chocolate thunder
- [ ] Wear polyester amanitas
> **Explanation:** "Curry favor" means to flatter insincerely to gain an advantage. The other phrases are pure whimsy.
### Identify the related idiom:
- [x] Brown-nosing
- [ ] Green on the vine
- [ ] Purple pelicans flying
- [ ] Red lemur dancing
> **Explanation:** "Brown-nosing" is a close relative to "currying favor," implying sycophantic behavior. The rest, just words having fun.
### Which of these idioms is associated with insincere praise?
- [x] Apple-polishing
- [ ] Cleaning the kangaroo
- [ ] Tying the turtle
- [ ] Jumping the giraffe
> **Explanation:** "Apple-polishing" is another term for giving insincere praise to gain favor. The other options are creative nonsense.
### True or False: "Kissing up" is relevant to currying favor.
- [x] True
- [ ] False
> **Explanation:** True. "Kissing up" indeed reflects the essence of currying favor by flattering someone for personal gains.
### Which is not a way of currying favor?
- [ ] Brown-nosing
- [ ] Supplication
- [ ] Sycophantism
- [x] Honestly disagreeing
> **Explanation:** Honestly disagreeing is an act of integrity, whereas the other options involve some level of insincere flattery.
Inspirational Thought-Provoking Farewell: Remember, while clever flattery may get you to certain places, it’s authentically earned respect that will keep you there. After all, honesty might cost you an inch but duplicity will cost you a mile. Keep your grooming brushes for the horses! 🐴✨
