What are the definitions of “kiss up to”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Try to get into someone's favour.
He's a creep and is always KISSING UP TO the director.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “kiss up to”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb kiss up to is to try to gain someone's favor or approval, often by flattering or praising them excessively. This is usually done to get some advantage or benefit from the person.
What are the different verb forms of “kiss up to”?
| Root Verb | kiss up to |
| Third Person Singular Present | kisses up to |
| Present Participle | kissing up to |
| Simple Past | kissed up to |
| Past Participle | kissed up to |
Example
She always kisses up to the teacher to get better grades.
Example
He kisses up to the boss to get a promotion.
Example
They are kissing up to the coach to get more playing time.
Example
He kissed up to the director to get a role in the play.
Example
She had kissed up to the manager to get a better schedule.
What kind of phrasal verb is “kiss up to”?
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a transitive and intransitive verb? - A transitive verb always has an object after it. (Example: Sam bought a car.) - An intransitive verb never has an object.(Example: She laughed loudly.)
Transitive verb
“kiss up to” is a transitive phrasal verb because it requires a direct object to complete its meaning. The direct object specifies what is being removed, obtained, or eliminated.
Example
She kissed up to the teacher.
Example
He kissed up to the boss.
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a separable and inseparable phrasal verb? - A “separable phrasal verb” can be separated with an object between the verb and particle. - An “inseparable phrasal verb” cannot be separated by an object.
Inseparable
“kiss up to” is an inseparable phrasal verb. This means that you can’t place an object between the verb and the particle, otherwise, it changes the meaning of the phrasal verb.
Example
She kissed up to the teacher.
Example
He kissed up to the boss.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “kiss up to”?
Kiss up
A person who tries to gain favor or approval from someone, often by excessive flattery or praise.
Example
He is such a kiss up; he always compliments the boss to get ahead.
Kiss-up
An adjective describing someone who tries to gain favor or approval from someone, often by excessive flattery or praise.
Example
She has a kiss-up attitude towards her superiors.
Good things to know
Does “kiss up to” have an informal or formal tone?
Kiss up to is an informal phrasal verb and is not typically used in formal settings or writing. Instead, more formal alternatives like 'flatter' or 'ingratiate oneself with' can be used.
