flattery
Nice words that are not honest, said to make someone like you or do something for you.
Praise or compliments that are not sincere, given in order to please someone or gain a benefit from them.
Very strong or too much praise that makes someone feel very good.
Praise or compliments that are stronger or more positive than is realistic or necessary, often making someone feel very pleased with themselves.
- Base: flattery
- Plural: flatteries, flattery
flattery will get you everywhere
1Praise will help you succeed
Said in a light or joking way to show that someone’s nice words or praise are welcome and may help them get what they want.
- "You look younger every year," he said. "Ah, flattery will get you everywhere," she laughed.
- She told him, "Flattery will get you everywhere," when he praised her cooking.
flattery will get you nowhere
1Praise will not help you succeed
Used to say that nice words or praise will not make someone change their mind or give you what you want.
- You can keep trying to charm me, but flattery will get you nowhere.
- Flattery will get you nowhere, so please just be honest about what you want.
imitation is the sincerest form of flattery
1Copying someone shows admiration
Used to say that when someone copies your style, ideas, or work, it means they admire you a lot, even if it may feel annoying.
- When a rival company copied their design, the CEO joked, "Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery."
- She was upset at first, but her friend reminded her that imitation is the sincerest form of flattery.