Understanding the Idiom 'Butter Up'

Feifei plans to do something special for her landlady. What is she planning to do?

• Bake her a cake

• Clean the entire house

• Invite her to dinner

• Buy her a gift

Why does Feifei want to be extra nice to her landlady?

• Because it's her landlady's birthday

• To convince her not to increase the rent

• Because they are close friends

• To apologize for a mistake

When Neil says Feifei is 'buttering up' her landlady, what does he mean?

• Feifei is cooking with butter for her landlady

• Feifei is spreading butter on toast

• Feifei is flattering her landlady to gain favor

• Feifei is ignoring her landlady

Match each scenario with the correct interpretation by drawing a line between them.

• She is flattering sby to get sthg

• Feifei compliments her boss excessively before asking for a day off.

• She is engaging in sincere appreciation.

• Feifei bakes a cake for her landlady because she genuinely appreciates her.

• He believes she is trying to gain favor

• Neil accuses Feifei of "buttering up" someone.

• She expands her English vocabulary

• Feifei learns the meaning of an English idiom.

Feifei initially thought 'buttering up' involved actual butter.

• True

• False

Feifei was (a)   when Neil told her the meaning of 'butter up.'

Which of the following best describes the idiom 'butter up'?

• To criticize someone openly

• To flatter someone for personal gain

• To prepare food using butter

• To spread rumors about someone

The idiom 'butter up' means to (a)   someone to gain favor.

'Buttering someone up' is considered a sincere form of appreciation.

• True

• False

Which action is NOT an example of 'buttering someone up'?

• Giving a genuine compliment with no ulterior motive

• Praising a teacher to get better grades

• Flattering a friend before asking for a favor

• Complimenting a colleague to win their support