Is the expression "Don't polish the apple" already old-fashioned?
S Snappy Member Joined Mar 24, 2009 Member Type Other Native Language Japanese Home Country Japan Current Location Japan Jan 30, 2010 #1 Is the expression "Don't polish the apple" already old-fashioned?
bhaisahab Moderator Staff member Joined Apr 12, 2008 Member Type Retired English Teacher Native Language British English Home Country England Current Location Ireland Jan 30, 2010 #2 Snappy said: Is the expression "Don't polish the apple" already old-fashioned? Click to expand... I've never heard it.
Snappy said: Is the expression "Don't polish the apple" already old-fashioned? Click to expand... I've never heard it.
W Williamyh Member Joined Nov 23, 2009 Member Type Other Jan 30, 2010 #3 Snappy said: Is the expression "Don't polish the apple" already old-fashioned? Click to expand... Please let us know where did you hear this phrase.
Snappy said: Is the expression "Don't polish the apple" already old-fashioned? Click to expand... Please let us know where did you hear this phrase.
S Snappy Member Joined Mar 24, 2009 Member Type Other Native Language Japanese Home Country Japan Current Location Japan Jan 30, 2010 #4 Williamyh said: Please let us know where did you hear this phrase. Click to expand... According to the American Heritage, "apple-polish" means "To seek favor by toadying." I was not sure when I heard this phrase. Do you ever say, "Don't apple-polish" then?
Williamyh said: Please let us know where did you hear this phrase. Click to expand... According to the American Heritage, "apple-polish" means "To seek favor by toadying." I was not sure when I heard this phrase. Do you ever say, "Don't apple-polish" then?
bhaisahab Moderator Staff member Joined Apr 12, 2008 Member Type Retired English Teacher Native Language British English Home Country England Current Location Ireland Jan 30, 2010 #5 Snappy said: According to the American Heritage, "apple-polish" means "To seek favor by toadying." I was not sure when I heard this phrase. Do you ever say, "Don't apple-polish" then? Click to expand... Maybe it's an American thing. I've never come across it in BrE, in my experience of over 50 years.
Snappy said: According to the American Heritage, "apple-polish" means "To seek favor by toadying." I was not sure when I heard this phrase. Do you ever say, "Don't apple-polish" then? Click to expand... Maybe it's an American thing. I've never come across it in BrE, in my experience of over 50 years.
M mmasny Key Member Joined Oct 3, 2009 Member Type Student or Learner Native Language Polish Home Country Poland Current Location Poland Jan 30, 2010 #6 Google gives dictionary entries only, so I guess it isn't used much.
S suikerbossie VIP Member Joined Jan 23, 2009 Member Type Other Native Language English Home Country South Africa Current Location Italy Jan 30, 2010 #7 I have never heard of it either. But I have an old dictionary which gives 'apple-polisher' (U.S. noun) meaning 'toady' 'flatterer'. Hope it's of some help.
I have never heard of it either. But I have an old dictionary which gives 'apple-polisher' (U.S. noun) meaning 'toady' 'flatterer'. Hope it's of some help.