# cozy up to

CEFR C1 · Phrasal verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/cozy-up-to
Updated: 2026-04-24

## Definition

to act very friendly toward someone because you want them to like you or give you something.

For teachers: to ingratiate oneself with another person, typically for personal gain or to secure a favor; carries a connotation of insincerity or calculation.

## Examples

- He is trying to cozy up to the boss to get a promotion.
- The junior reporter tried to cozy up to the senator's assistant to get an exclusive interview.
- Lobbyists often attempt to cozy up to influential committee members in hopes of swaying the upcoming legislative vote in their favor.

## Pitfalls

- Not "She tried to cozy up with the manager." but "She tried to cozy up to the manager." — the correct preposition following the particles is 'to', not 'with'.

## Usage notes

- usually implies the friendliness is not genuine but serves a specific purpose.
- Teaching tip: highlight the physical origin of 'cozy' (warmth/closeness) to explain how the figurative meaning implies getting 'close' to someone for protection or profit.

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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.