# kiss ass

idiom · Vulgar

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

## Meaning

to flatter or perform favors excessively, especially to receive preferential treatment from a boss or other superior; to behave obsequiously.

## Examples

- He tries to kiss ass to get a promotion.
- Everyone knows she only got the lead project because she spends all day kissing ass to the manager.
- Rather than relying on his own merits, he chose to kiss ass, hoping that constant sycophancy would secure his advancement within the firm.

---

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.