curry favor with sb

/kˈʌɹi fˈeɪvə wɪð ˌɛsbˈiː/

/kˈɜːɹi fˈeɪvɚ wɪð ˌɛsbˈiː/

[phrase]

to curry favor with sb

[PHRASE]

to try to impress someone using insincere praise for personal gain

synonyms : court favor

court favour

curry favour

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. It often implies that the person is being manipulative or overly attentive for personal gain.

Examples

1. Ptolemy was trying to curry favor with Caesar by killing his enemy, but Caesar was mad in that the-only-person-who-gets-to-tease-my-little-brother-is-me kind of way, except with murder instead of teasing.

2. Ptolemy was trying to curry favor with Caesar by killing his enemy, but Caesar was mad in that the-only-person-who-gets-to-tease-my-little-brother-is-me kind of way, except with murder instead of teasing.

3. Ptolemy was trying to curry favor with Caesar by killing his enemy, but Caesar was mad in that the-only-person-who-gets-to-tease-my-little-brother-is-me kind of way, except with murder instead of teasing.

4. Even though the millionaire had a reputation for being difficult and unpleasant, he always had people around him, eager to curry favor and enjoy the benefits of his wealth.