# suck up

CEFR B2 · Phrasal verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/suck-up
Updated: 2026-10-23

## Definition

to behave too nicely to someone in power because you want them to like you or give you something.

For teachers: 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.

## Pitfalls

- Not "He is sucking up the teacher." but "He is sucking up to the teacher." — the phrasal verb requires the preposition 'to' when followed by the person being flattered.

## Usage notes

- 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.

---

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.