Apple-polish

Apple-polish refers to the act of insincerely flattering someone, typically in authority, to gain favor or approval. Originating from the notion of literally polishing an apple to make it more appealing, the term is often employed in workplace contexts, indicating attempts to win over a boss or superior by excessive compliments or ingratiating behavior rather than through genuine merit.

Apple-polish meaning with examples

• In the office, Dave was notorious for his apple-polish tactics, always showering the manager with compliments, hoping it would lead to a promotion rather than relying on his actual performance.
• During the team meeting, several members displayed their apple-polish behavior by constantly agreeing with everything the supervisor said, missing the opportunity to share valuable feedback.
• While many people appreciated Sarah's insights, others were put off by her tendency to apple-polish, showering compliments on the project head rather than engaging in meaningful discussions.
• It’s easy to spot the employees who apple-polish; they often have the brightest smiles and loudest voices in the room, making it uncomfortable for their colleagues.
• The constant apple-polish in their conversations made it hard for Tom to trust his co-worker, who seemed more focused on pleasing their boss than contributing genuinely.