Phrasal verb
suck up
Definition
phrasal verb. to behave too nicely to someone in power because you want them to like you or give you something.
phrasal verb. to act in a sycophantic or obsequious manner toward a superior to gain advantage. Intransitive when used alone, or transitive taking 'to' before the recipient of the behavior.
Examples
“He is always sucking up to the boss.”
“Nobody likes the new intern because he spends all day sucking up to the manager instead of doing his actual work.”
“While some colleagues chose to suck up to the executive board, Sarah maintained her professional distance and relied solely on her performance metrics for promotion.”
Examples
simple
“He is always sucking up to the boss.”
contextual
“Nobody likes the new intern because he spends all day sucking up to the manager instead of doing his actual work.”
complex
“While some colleagues chose to suck up to the executive board, Sarah maintained her professional distance and relied solely on her performance metrics for promotion.”
Usage
highly informal and carries a negative, critical tone toward the person performing the action.
Teaching tip
contrast with 'brown-nose' (more vulgar) or 'flatter' (more neutral/formal); the preposition 'to' is required when the target person is mentioned.
Pitfall
He is sucking up the teacher.
He is sucking up to the teacher.
the phrasal verb requires the preposition 'to' when followed by the person being flattered.
Phrasal verb
Particles
up
Separability
inseparable
Pattern
suck + up (+ to + object)
Synonyms
Antonyms
Grammar
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944EikenEikenTest in Practical English ProficiencyThe English proficiency test from the Eiken Foundation of Japan, widely taken by Japanese students. Grades run from 5 to 1, with Pre-1 and Pre-2 between them.Pre-1
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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