へつらう

Godan verb with 'u' ending; intransitive verb

to flatter; to curry favour (with); to play up (to); to suck up (to); to toady (to)word usually written using kana alone

Forms

へつらう
諂う【へつらう】
諛う【へつらう】

Generated definitions (experimental)

to flatter; to curry favour (with)

This meaning refers to the act of excessively praising someone, often to gain their approval or favor. It is commonly used in discussions about relationships, particularly in professional or social contexts where one party is trying to win the goodwill of another.

、。

He always says nice things to flatter his boss.

、。

She tried to sway her friends by flattering them.

to play up (to)

This usage implies an attempt to emphasize certain traits or abilities to gain favor or approval. It is often associated with demonstrating exaggerated admiration or support to someone in authority or influence.

、。

He played up his talents to get included in the project.

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She played up her successful project to gain the president's favor.

Generated collocations (experimental)

the act of flatteringto flatter the bossa flattering attitudewords of flatteryto engage in flatterythe person one is flatteringmeans of flatteryto gain by flatteringthe dangers of flatterya culture of flattery

Wiktionary definitions (experimental)