Differences between butter up and do up
Butter up means to flatter someone in order to gain their favor or approval, while do up means to fasten or secure something, or to decorate or improve the appearance of something.
Meanings and Definitions: butter up vs do up
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
Butter up
- 1Praise or flatter someone excessively.
I tried BUTTERING my tutor UP but she still wouldn \' t let me hand it in late.
Do up
- 1Close or fasten clothes, etc..
You must DO UP your safety belt in the back of cars and taxis now.
- 2Repair and renovate.
It took them six months to DO UP the house before they could actually move in.
Usage Examples: butter up, do up in Sentences
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
butter up
Example
She always tries to butter up her boss before asking for a day off.
Example
He butters up his teacher to get extra credit.
do up
Example
Please do up your jacket before going outside.
Example
She does up her shoes before leaving the house.
Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Butter up
To praise or compliment someone excessively in order to gain their favor or approval.
Example
He tried to flatter his boss by complimenting her work and offering to help with her projects.
suck up to
To behave in a flattering or obsequious way towards someone in order to gain their favor or approval.
Example
He was always sucking up to his wealthy neighbors in the hopes of getting invited to their parties.
brown-nose
To flatter or curry favor with someone in a sycophantic or obsequious manner.
Example
She was always brown-nosing her teachers in the hopes of getting better grades.
Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Do up
To close or secure something with a button, zipper, or other fastener.
Example
She had to fasten her seatbelt before the plane took off.
tie up
To secure or bind something with a knot or cord.
Example
He had to tie up the package with string before mailing it.
spruce up
To improve the appearance or condition of something by cleaning, repairing, or decorating it.
Example
She decided to spruce up her apartment by painting the walls and buying new furniture.
Explore more Phrasal Verbs
Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles
Phrasal Verbs with “do”
Differences in butter up vs do up: Usage, Formality, and Tone
Frequency in Daily Use: butter up or do up?
In daily conversation, people use do up more often than butter up. This is because do up is used for a variety of tasks such as tying shoelaces, zipping up a jacket, or renovating a house. Butter up is not used as much. It's mainly used when we want to describe someone who is trying to gain someone else's favor. So, while both phrases are used, do up is more common in everyday conversation.
Informal vs Formal: Contextual Use of butter up and do up
Butter up and do up are informal phrases often used in casual conversations. They are suitable for everyday interactions with friends and family. In more formal settings like business or academic contexts, using alternative expressions can convey a more polished tone.
Tone and Implication: The Nuances of butter up and do up
The tone of butter up and do up can differ based on context. Butter up often carries a manipulative or insincere tone when related to flattery, while do up typically has a practical and functional tone, especially when referring to securing or improving something.
butter up & do up: Synonyms and Antonyms
Butter up
Synonyms
- flatter
- praise
- compliment
- adulate
- charm
- ingratiate
- fawn over
- woo
- court
