Apple-polishing

Apple-polishing refers to the act of attempting to gain favor, often from a superior, through excessive flattery, ingratiating behavior, or performing acts of service that are not necessarily part of one's job. It is usually motivated by a desire for personal gain, such as promotions, preferential treatment, or avoiding negative consequences. The term suggests a degree of insincerity and manipulation. The behavior can range from offering compliments and agreeing with everything the superior says to completing tasks beyond one's assigned duties or offering gifts.

Apple-polishing meaning with examples

• Sarah, always eager to impress her boss, frequently brought him coffee and agreed with his every opinion. Many colleagues viewed her actions as obvious Apple-polishing, designed to secure a promotion. This tactic, while effective in the short term, ultimately strained relationships among peers.
• The intern, in an effort to avoid getting fired, started staying late to complete tasks and offered to run errands for her manager. Her colleagues openly mocked this blatant Apple-polishing, criticizing her for the perceived lack of genuine work ethic and the superficiality of her actions.
• John would offer to take on extra projects just to get on the manager's good side, even though this was not necessary for his job. Others considered this Apple-polishing, viewing it as a disingenuous attempt to gain special privileges, which created resentment among the team.
• The sales rep's Apple-polishing was evident in the extravagant gifts he frequently bestowed upon his clients and superiors. Despite these attempts at ingratiation, his consistent low sales figures demonstrated that substance trumped superficial gestures.