to curry favor with someone, especially in an obsequious or flattering manner.
verb (used with object)
2.
to curry favor with (someone).
Origin
1930-35
Related forms
apple polisher, apple-polisher, noun
Slang definitions & phrases for apple-polish
apple-polish
verb
To flatter and pamper in order to gain personal advantage; curry favor; brown-nose, SUCK UP TO someone: He started apple-polishing the captain as soon as he got on board