apple-polish

[ ap-uh l-pol-ish ]
/ ˈæp əlˌpɒl ɪʃ /
Informal.

verb (used without object)

to curry favor with someone, especially in an obsequious or flattering manner.

verb (used with object)

to curry favor with (someone).

Origin of apple-polish

First recorded in 1930–35

OTHER WORDS FROM apple-polish

apple polisher, ap·ple-pol·ish·er, noun