He tries to kiss his boss's ass to get a promotion.
kiss someone's ass
idiomTo flatter someone (especially a superior) in an obsequious manner, and to support their every opinion to gain their favor.
Origin
disputed originSaid because the ass is considered vulgar and being willing to kiss another's is considered a sign of submission and patronage.
I refuse to kiss my manager's ass just to get a better seat in the office.
The ambitious junior associate spent his entire evening kissing the senior partner's ass in hopes of securing a partnership.
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another nail in someone's coffin
An event that increases the likelihood of or causes further failure.
- 02
answer someone's prayers
To be or do exactly what someone has been wishing or asking for.
- 03
answer to someone's prayers
Exactly what someone has been wishing or asking for.
- 04
apple of someone's eye
The object of somebody's affections; a person (or sometimes a thing) that someone strongly prefers; a favorite, a loved one.
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ass over teakettle
Tumbling upside down.
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bane of someone's existence
Someone or something that poses a significant problem to someone.
- 07
bash someone's face in
To beat someone violently.
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bash someone's head
To beat up someone violently.
Last updated July 12, 2026