Apple-polish — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

verb /ˈa-pəl-ˌpä-lish/ ap·ple-pol·ish

Meaning & Definition of Apple-polish

Apple-polish (verb)

  1. to attempt to ingratiate oneself, toady
  2. to curry favor with (as by flattery)

Apple-polish (verb) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. to use flattery or the doing of favors in order to win approval especially from a superior

    "a departmental supervisor who apple-polishes shamelessly whenever higher-ups are about"

    similar: bootlick, fawn, fuss, kowtow, suck (up), toady, truckle, curry favor, kiss up to
    related: drool, gush, slaver, slobber, endear, ingratiate, court, woo, adulate, idolize, worship, blandish, cajole, coax, flatter, overpraise, soft-soap, cower, cringe, grovel, abase, debase, demean, defer, submit, yield
    near: despise, disdain, scorn, gibe, jeer, scoff, brave, challenge, defy

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Apple-polish

The most common words with a similar meaning to Apple-polish:

bootlick, fawn, fuss, kowtow, suck (up), toady, truckle, curry favor, kiss up to

Related Words for Apple-polish

drool, gush, slaver, slobber, endear, ingratiate, court, woo, adulate, idolize, worship, blandish, cajole, coax, flatter, overpraise, soft-soap, cower, cringe, grovel, abase, debase, demean, defer, submit, yield

Near Antonyms of Apple-polish

despise, disdain, scorn, gibe, jeer, scoff, brave, challenge, defy

Word Forms of Apple-polish

Inflections: apple-polished, apple-polishing, apple-polishes

Derived words: apple-polisher (noun)

Origin & Etymology of Apple-polish

from the traditional practice of schoolchildren bringing a shiny apple as a gift to their teacher

First known use: 1926i

Frequently Asked Questions about Apple-polish

What does "Apple-polish" mean?

"Apple-polish" means to attempt to ingratiate oneself, toady. As a verb, it is defined as: to attempt to ingratiate oneself, toady.

What is another word for "Apple-polish"?

Other words for "Apple-polish" include bootlick, fawn, fuss, kowtow, suck (up), toady, truckle and curry favor. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Apple-polish" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Apple-polish"?

There are 35 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Apple-polish". Common alternatives include bootlick, fawn, fuss, kowtow, suck (up), toady, truckle, curry favor and kiss up to.

How do you use "Apple-polish" in a sentence?

Examples of "Apple-polish" in a sentence: "a departmental supervisor who apple-polishes shamelessly whenever higher-ups are about".

Is "Apple-polish" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Apple-polish" is a verb.

How do you pronounce "Apple-polish"?

"Apple-polish" is pronounced /ˈa-pəl-ˌpä-lish/ and divided into syllables as ap·ple-pol·ish.

What is the origin of the word "Apple-polish"?

"Apple-polish" comes from from the traditional practice of schoolchildren bringing a shiny apple as a gift to their teacher. First known use: 1926i.

What is another word for "Apple-polish" meaning "to use flattery or the doing of favors in order to win approval especially from a superior"?

When "Apple-polish" (verb) means to use flattery or the doing of favors in order to win approval especially from a superior, synonyms include bootlick, fawn, fuss, kowtow, suck (up) and toady.