Imagine you are at a party, attempting to charm your way into good graces, only to be shut down with a sharp, “Flattery will get you nowhere!” This often heard phrase is as cutting as a knife forged in the fires of ancient wisdom.
Definition
Flattery will get you nowhere: Attempting to gain favor by appealing to someone’s vanity is often fruitless and unproductive.
Synonyms:
- Empty praise gets no rewards.
- Buttering someone up won’t work.
- Insincere compliments yield nothing.
Antonyms:
- Genuine praise wins hearts.
- Sincere flattery bears fruit.
- Honesty is the best policy.
Related Expressions
“Flattery will get you everywhere”: Often used humorously to indicate that someone doesn’t mind flattery and is susceptible to it.
“You can catch more flies with honey than with vinegar”: Suggests that a gentle, pleasing approach is more effective than being confrontational or unpleasant.
Historical Nods
This well-worn phrase has roots deeply entrenched in ancient wisdom. Aristophanes, Cato, and Cicero all took turns warning eager flatterers of the futility of their endeavors long before Ellery Queen’s A Fine and Private Place became a reference point.
Witty Takes On Flattery
- “Any fool can criticize, condemn, and complain—but it takes character and self-control to be understanding and forgiving.” – Dale Carnegie 🤹♂️.
- “Flattery is like cologne water, to be smelt, not swallowed.” – Josh Billings 👃.
Dive Deeper
Books:
- How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie.
- The Art of Seduction by Robert Greene.
Movies:
- Mary Poppins – Filled with polite flattery, but with purpose.
- Clueless – A journey through the insincere and genuine.
Songs:
- “You’re So Vain" by Carly Simon – The perils of listening to flattery.
- “Cheek to Cheek” by Fred Astaire – Flirting and flattery on the dance floor.
Quizzes:
📝 Written by the ever-entertaining Lark S. Bard
📅 Published in October 2023
📜 Farewell Thought: Remember, genuine praise shines stronger than a thousand hollow praises. 🌟
