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29-Dec-2007, 22:43
| | Member | | Join Date: Nov 2007 Country: Canada
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| |  Re: buttering up the boss
You've got a real talent for this! I'm glad we don't work in the same office!
regards
edward Quote:
Originally Posted by mykwyner  Buttering up usually refers to undeserved flattery or obsequiousness, trying to gain someone's approval through compliments or subservience.
"Wow Boss, that sure is a nice tie. You've really got the best taste in clothes. Do you need me to do anything for you? Is your wastebasket empty? Can I get you some coffee? How about if I run down to the deli and get you one of those muffins you really like?" | |
30-Dec-2007, 01:30
| | Moderator | | Join Date: Feb 2005 Country: England
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| | Re: buttering up the boss
Quote:
Originally Posted by amigos4 Mr. Pedantic, does this mean that we should create a new operative? (PVD Emendment Operative) | It may be cheaper to ask the existing operative to make himself his first job in his new role.
MrP
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Not a professional ESL teacher.
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30-Dec-2007, 02:47
|  | VIP Member | | Join Date: Oct 2007 Country: USA
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Current Location: Tucson, Arizona First Language: North American English Member Type: Academic Thanks: 949
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| | Re: buttering up the boss
Quote:
Originally Posted by MrPedantic It may be cheaper to ask the existing operative to make himself his first job in his new role.
MrP | History in the making! I love it! Let's pass the hat and ask for contributions so we can do the task correctly! 
Cheers,
Amigos4 |
30-Dec-2007, 08:00
| | Key Member | | Join Date: Sep 2007 Country: Bulgaria
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| | Re: buttering up the boss
Hi Baqarah131,
I am in full agreement with your statement concerning the "fabricated problem" about the mentioned at the beginning of the present thread so-called "separable obligatory".
I know that "butter up" = excessively praise or flatter someone, usually to gain a favor, as in
"If you butter up Dad, he'll let you barrow the car."
But I know also that "butter someone up" = flatter someone, usually to achieve something desired.
this expression is used when trying to persuade someone to do something for someone.
Example: "I tried to butter him up before I asked for a raise. - OK, what do you want? I know you are buttering me up for something."
I couldn't understand where is the problem. All is according to standard.
Regards.
V. |
30-Dec-2007, 11:22
| | Member | | Join Date: Nov 2007 Country: Canada
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| | Re: buttering up the boss
Right.
I sometimes wonder about people who write grammar books and make up rules, what planet do they live on?
regards
edward Quote:
Originally Posted by vil Hi Baqarah131,
I am in full agreement with your statement concerning the "fabricated problem" about the mentioned at the beginning of the present thread so-called "separable obligatory".
I know that "butter up" = excessively praise or flatter someone, usually to gain a favor, as in
"If you butter up Dad, he'll let you barrow the car."
But I know also that "butter someone up" = flatter someone, usually to achieve something desired.
this expression is used when trying to persuade someone to do something for someone.
Example: "I tried to butter him up before I asked for a raise. - OK, what do you want? I know you are buttering me up for something."
I couldn't understand where is the problem. All is according to standard.
Regards.
V. | |
31-Dec-2007, 14:06
| | Moderator | | Join Date: Feb 2005 Country: England
Posts: 2,251
Current Location: SE England First Language: British English Member Type: Other Thanks: 2
Thanked 149 Times in 142 Posts
| | Re: buttering up the boss
Quote:
Originally Posted by baqarah131 Right.
I sometimes wonder about people who write grammar books and make up rules, what planet do they live on?
| I think it was probably a slip of the inputting finger, as it's an online source. I expect it will be put right when everyone comes back after the New Year.
All the best,
MrP
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Not a professional ESL teacher.
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06-Jan-2008, 10:56
| | Editor, UsingEnglish.com | | Join Date: Nov 2002 Country: UK
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Current Location: Phnom Penh First Language: English Member Type: English Teacher Thanks: 6
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| | Re: buttering up the boss
Yes, my mistake, my bad, and apologies all round- I clicked the wrong box. I will change it. Thanks very much for pointing this out.
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