ごまをする
ごまをする
expression
to butter up; to flatter; to suck up
1.
to butter up; to flatter; to suck up to someone
To try to gain favor from someone in a position of authority through excessive flattery or ingratiating behavior. A colloquial and slightly negative expression.
上司にごまをする。
To butter up one's boss.
彼はいつも先生にごまをすっている。
He's always sucking up to the teacher.
ごまをすったところで昇進できるわけではないのに、彼女は部長の前では態度が変わる。
It's not like flattery will get her promoted, but she changes her attitude in front of the department head.
ETYMOLOGY:
The expression comes from the act of grinding sesame seeds (ごまをする) in a mortar. The seeds stick to everything around them, just as a flatterer "sticks" to people in power. A person who flatters is called a ごますり.
USAGE:
This is an informal expression with a somewhat negative connotation. It implies that the flattery is insincere and motivated by self-interest. The person doing the flattering is often viewed critically by others.
COMMON PATTERNS:
- ～にごまをする (to butter up [person])
- ごまをすっている (is sucking up; note the って contraction)
- ごますり (noun: flatterer, sycophant)
SIMILAR EXPRESSIONS:
- ごまをする: to butter up (informal, somewhat negative)
- おべっかを使う: to use flattery (slightly more formal)
- 媚びを売る: to sell one's charm (stronger negative nuance)
- 機嫌を取る: to try to please (more neutral)