# kiss arse

idiom · Vulgar

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/kiss-arse
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

Alternative form of kiss ass, to curry favour with the powerful by obsequious flattery.

## Examples

- He tries to kiss arse to get a promotion.
- The new intern spends all day trying to kiss arse, hoping the boss will notice his hard work.
- Rather than relying on his own merits, he chose to kiss arse, offering constant, insincere praise to those in positions of authority.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.