# kiss someone's ass

idiom · Vulgar

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

## Meaning

To flatter someone (especially a superior) in an obsequious manner, and to support their every opinion to gain their favor.

## Examples

- He tries to kiss his boss's ass to get a promotion.
- You do not need to kiss my ass to get a fair grade.
- I refuse to kiss my manager's ass just to get a better seat in the office.
- Some people will kiss the director's ass just because they want to be cast in the next big play.
- The new employee is constantly kissing the supervisor's ass by agreeing with every single word she says during meetings.
- The ambitious junior associate spent his entire evening kissing the senior partner's ass in hopes of securing a partnership.

## Origin

First recorded in the mid-20th century, though the sentiment of total subservience is considerably older. The expression relies upon the status of the buttocks as a site of social vulgarity; to press one’s lips to another person’s anatomy in this manner is presented as the ultimate gesture of submission and the procurement of patronage. The act suggests a level of devotion that is as medically unnecessary as it is socially degrading.

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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.