
Cerca
to curry favor with somebody
01
cercare di impressionare qualcuno
to try to impress someone using insincere praise for personal gain
What is the origin of the idiom "curry favor with someone" and when to use it?
The idiom "curry favor with someone" originated from an Old French word, "faveur," which means "favor" or "approval." In the 16th century, it evolved into the English phrase "curry favor," which means to seek or gain favor or approval from someone in a flattering or insincere way. The word "curry" here does not refer to the spice but rather comes from the Middle English word "cury," meaning "care" or "attention. This phrase is used to describe the act of trying to gain someone's favor or approval through flattery, praise, or insincere actions.
Example
She tried to curry favor with the boss by constantly complimenting his ideas.
The politician attempted to curry favor with the voters by promising tax cuts.
He bought expensive gifts for his in-laws, hoping to curry favor with his new family.

Parole Vicine