[curry] favor
1
to try to gain advantage by flattery or submissive behavior
The idiom "curry favor" originated from an Old French word, "faveur," which means "favor" or "approval." In the 16th century, it evolved into the English phrase "curry favor," which means to seek or gain favor or approval from someone in a flattering or insincere way. The word "curry" here does not refer to the spice but rather comes from the Middle English word "cury," meaning "care" or "attention. This phrase is used to describe the act of trying to gain someone's favor or approval through flattery, praise, or insincere actions.
- She tried to curry favor with the boss by constantly complimenting his ideas.
- The politician attempted to curry favor with the voters by promising tax cuts.
- He bought expensive gifts for his in-laws, hoping to curry favor with his new family.
- The employee brought coffee for the entire team in an attempt to curry favor with colleagues.