# kiss up

idiom

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

## Meaning

To pay false flattery to another, particularly a superior at work, in order to get special attention.

## Examples

- He tries to kiss up to the boss every single day.
- I dislike how she constantly kisses up to the manager just to get the best shifts.
- Rather than relying on his own professional merits, he chose to kiss up to the director in a transparent attempt to secure a promotion.

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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.