Apple-polisher

An 'apple-polisher' refers to an individual who attempts to gain favor, especially from someone in authority, through excessive flattery, insincere praise, or obsequious behavior. This person often prioritizes self-advancement and career progression by currying favor with those in positions of power. The term implies a lack of genuine respect and a transactional approach to relationships, where the goal is personal gain rather than authentic connection. This person may exaggerate achievements, agree with superiors even when disagreeing, and offer excessive compliments with the ulterior motive of receiving rewards or avoiding punishment. Their actions are often perceived as sycophantic and manipulative.

Apple-polisher meaning with examples

• At the office, Mark was known as an apple-polisher. He always brought the boss coffee, constantly agreed with everything he said, and never missed an opportunity to praise his leadership skills, even when decisions were questionable. His colleagues found it distasteful, viewing his actions as a blatant attempt to secure a promotion and enhance his standing within the company.
• Sarah’s constant compliments to the teacher about her lesson plans made her the obvious apple-polisher of the class. While others offered constructive criticism for improvement, Sarah was always quick to praise every aspect, hoping it would lead to higher grades or preferred treatment. Her peers felt her flattery lacked authenticity and was purely strategic.
• The new employee quickly established themselves as an apple-polisher, showering the CEO with praise and agreeing to take on extra tasks, even if it meant neglecting their own responsibilities. While it seemed as though he was dedicated, his colleagues suspected it was simply to impress and climb the corporate ladder by any means possible.
• During the performance review, John took the opportunity to become an apple-polisher, repeatedly talking about the great qualities his manager has, and all the ideas the company has implemented under his guidance, never mentioning any areas for improvement. The other employees felt this behavior was disingenuous, as he made no effort to work on the company’s problems and was clearly focused on getting on the manager’s good side.