# cozy up

CEFR B2 · Phrasal verb

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

## Definition

to move close to someone to get warm or show affection; it also means being extra nice to someone to get a favor.

For teachers: to move into a position of physical closeness for comfort; figuratively, to ingratiate oneself with someone for personal gain or social advantage.

## Examples

- The cat likes to cozy up to me on the sofa.
- He tried to cozy up to the boss right before the yearly promotions were announced.
- While the lobbyists attempted to cozy up to the new ministers, the public remained skeptical of their sudden displays of friendship.

## Pitfalls

- Not "He cozied up with the manager." but "He cozied up to the manager." — the standard preposition following this phrasal verb is 'to' when referring to the person being approached.

## Usage notes

- usually followed by the preposition 'to' and a person or a comfortable object.
- Teaching tip: highlight the shift from the literal physical sense (warmth/comfort) to the metaphorical social sense (manipulation/flattery).

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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.