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ELL Guide

A guide for ELL (English Language Learners) at the University of Maine at Augusta

Butter Up Definition

"To Butter Up" is to praise or compliment someone in hopes for something in return.  

Butter Up Examples in Sentences

That student always butters up the instructor because he hopes to get a good grade.  

Fortunately, the instructors here have a lot of integrity and do react to being buttered up.  Only high-quality work positively affects the grades. 

Can you you just ask me for a ride to campus instead of trying to buttering me up with unrelated compliments?  

Just answer the questions as best and as honestly as you can in the interview.  Buttering up the interviewers will not help you get the internship.  

I am insulted when someone tries to butter me up--I would rather them just directly ask what they want from me.  

Accessibility Statement
The University provides reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities upon request. Any person with a disability who needs accommodations for a workshop should contact UMA Libraries at uma.library@maine.edu to submit a request. Due to the lead-time needed to arrange certain accommodations, individuals should submit their request no later 1 week before the event.