He knows which side his bread is buttered on and stays polite.
know which side one's bread is buttered on
idiomTo be aware of where one's interests lie in a situation.
She never criticizes her boss because she knows which side her bread is buttered on.
The seasoned politician always supported the party leadership, clearly knowing which side his bread was buttered on to secure his future.
- 01
a little bit of bread and no cheese
Used to represent the song of the yellowhammer (Emberiza citrinella).
- 02
abound in one's own sense
To follow one’s own inclinations and opinions.
- 03
ace up one's sleeve
A surprise advantage of which others are not aware.
- 04
act one's age
To behave in a manner appropriate to one's age.
- 05
act one's age, not one's shoe size
Synonym of act one's age (“to behave in a mature manner; to avoid being childish”).
- 06
afraid of one's own shadow
Exceptionally timid.
- 07
air one's dirty laundry in public
To reveal one's sordid secrets to the public.
- 08
air one's dirty linen in public
Synonym of air one's dirty laundry in public.