apple-polish

[ ap-uhl-pol-ish ]

verb (used without object)

1. to curry favor with someone, especially in an obsequious or flattering manner.

verb (used with object)

1. to curry favor with (someone).

Other Words From

• apple polisher apple-polish·er noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of apple-polish¹

First recorded in 1925–30; apple ( def ) + polish ( def )