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An idiom for encourging asskissing
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How can I encourage someone to suck up even to the meanest of a person when sucking secures a privilege to the one sucking? In Arabic, an expression draws this image:
If a dog has something you need, address it as 'master'.
I'm not looking for an English expression that exactly mirrors this, but the closer the better.
Here's an example of how I intend to use the English expression:
Husband: My stupid manager has declined my request for a pay rise. I've been working with him for over 10 years. I know he doesn't like me because I don't suck up to him as the rest do. A new hire gets paid more than I do. Would you believe that?!
Wife: .....
phrase-request
asked 3 hours ago
Sara
1,3712827
 |Â
show 1 more comment
up vote
1
down vote
favorite
How can I encourage someone to suck up even to the meanest of a person when sucking secures a privilege to the one sucking? In Arabic, an expression draws this image:
If a dog has something you need, address it as 'master'.
I'm not looking for an English expression that exactly mirrors this, but the closer the better.
Here's an example of how I intend to use the English expression:
Husband: My stupid manager has declined my request for a pay rise. I've been working with him for over 10 years. I know he doesn't like me because I don't suck up to him as the rest do. A new hire gets paid more than I do. Would you believe that?!
Wife: .....
phrase-request
asked 3 hours ago
Sara
1,3712827
Question - are you looking for the reply to be a known idiom, or just any witty reply? Is this serious drama, or comedy?
– Astralbee
2 hours ago
Your "example" makes it crystal clear you want to be as disparaging as possible towards both your boss and any other workers who "suck up to him", in which case you're really spoilt for choice with expressions like toadying, brown-nosing, ass-licking, be obsequious / servile / sycophantic towards, bow and scrape, etc., etc. But for anyone who wanted to take a more pragmatic line (and perhaps also actually get a pay rise), it's worth remembering that He who pays the piper calls the tune.
– FumbleFingers
2 hours ago
@Astralbee it doesn't have to be a very common expression. I'm just looking for the closest fit for the image in the Arabic expression. I'm not looking for a witty reply straying from this.
– Sara
2 hours ago
1
@Sara Ok that's helpful. I've amended my answer slightly since you added in the context you want to use it.
– Astralbee
2 hours ago
1
But you should know that "the image in the Arabic expression" is essentially bound to Arabic culture as much as "idiomatic usage". Any attempt at a "literal translation" would probably be understood in English, because of the context in which it might be used. But the underlying "imagery" is effectively "alien" to Anglophones. In which context it might be worth noting that Anglophones in general don't use "dog" as an insult like this anywhere near as much as many other cultures / languages (though we do rather go overboard with bitch as an insulting term for women).
– FumbleFingers
2 hours ago
 |Â
show 1 more comment
up vote
1
down vote
favorite
up vote
1
down vote
favorite
How can I encourage someone to suck up even to the meanest of a person when sucking secures a privilege to the one sucking? In Arabic, an expression draws this image:
If a dog has something you need, address it as 'master'.
I'm not looking for an English expression that exactly mirrors this, but the closer the better.
Here's an example of how I intend to use the English expression:
Husband: My stupid manager has declined my request for a pay rise. I've been working with him for over 10 years. I know he doesn't like me because I don't suck up to him as the rest do. A new hire gets paid more than I do. Would you believe that?!
Wife: .....
phrase-request
asked 3 hours ago
Sara
1,3712827
How can I encourage someone to suck up even to the meanest of a person when sucking secures a privilege to the one sucking? In Arabic, an expression draws this image:
If a dog has something you need, address it as 'master'.
I'm not looking for an English expression that exactly mirrors this, but the closer the better.
Here's an example of how I intend to use the English expression:
Husband: My stupid manager has declined my request for a pay rise. I've been working with him for over 10 years. I know he doesn't like me because I don't suck up to him as the rest do. A new hire gets paid more than I do. Would you believe that?!
Wife: .....
phrase-request
phrase-request
asked 3 hours ago
Sara
1,3712827
asked 3 hours ago
Sara
1,3712827
edited 2 hours ago
asked 3 hours ago
Sara
1,3712827
asked 3 hours ago
Sara
1,3712827
asked 3 hours ago
Sara
1,3712827
1,3712827
Question - are you looking for the reply to be a known idiom, or just any witty reply? Is this serious drama, or comedy?
– Astralbee
2 hours ago
Your "example" makes it crystal clear you want to be as disparaging as possible towards both your boss and any other workers who "suck up to him", in which case you're really spoilt for choice with expressions like toadying, brown-nosing, ass-licking, be obsequious / servile / sycophantic towards, bow and scrape, etc., etc. But for anyone who wanted to take a more pragmatic line (and perhaps also actually get a pay rise), it's worth remembering that He who pays the piper calls the tune.
– FumbleFingers
2 hours ago
@Astralbee it doesn't have to be a very common expression. I'm just looking for the closest fit for the image in the Arabic expression. I'm not looking for a witty reply straying from this.
– Sara
2 hours ago
1
@Sara Ok that's helpful. I've amended my answer slightly since you added in the context you want to use it.
– Astralbee
2 hours ago
1
But you should know that "the image in the Arabic expression" is essentially bound to Arabic culture as much as "idiomatic usage". Any attempt at a "literal translation" would probably be understood in English, because of the context in which it might be used. But the underlying "imagery" is effectively "alien" to Anglophones. In which context it might be worth noting that Anglophones in general don't use "dog" as an insult like this anywhere near as much as many other cultures / languages (though we do rather go overboard with bitch as an insulting term for women).
– FumbleFingers
2 hours ago
 |Â
show 1 more comment
Question - are you looking for the reply to be a known idiom, or just any witty reply? Is this serious drama, or comedy?
– Astralbee
2 hours ago
Your "example" makes it crystal clear you want to be as disparaging as possible towards both your boss and any other workers who "suck up to him", in which case you're really spoilt for choice with expressions like toadying, brown-nosing, ass-licking, be obsequious / servile / sycophantic towards, bow and scrape, etc., etc. But for anyone who wanted to take a more pragmatic line (and perhaps also actually get a pay rise), it's worth remembering that He who pays the piper calls the tune.
– FumbleFingers
2 hours ago
@Astralbee it doesn't have to be a very common expression. I'm just looking for the closest fit for the image in the Arabic expression. I'm not looking for a witty reply straying from this.
– Sara
2 hours ago
1
@Sara Ok that's helpful. I've amended my answer slightly since you added in the context you want to use it.
– Astralbee
2 hours ago
1
But you should know that "the image in the Arabic expression" is essentially bound to Arabic culture as much as "idiomatic usage". Any attempt at a "literal translation" would probably be understood in English, because of the context in which it might be used. But the underlying "imagery" is effectively "alien" to Anglophones. In which context it might be worth noting that Anglophones in general don't use "dog" as an insult like this anywhere near as much as many other cultures / languages (though we do rather go overboard with bitch as an insulting term for women).
– FumbleFingers
2 hours ago
Question - are you looking for the reply to be a known idiom, or just any witty reply? Is this serious drama, or comedy?
– Astralbee
2 hours ago
Question - are you looking for the reply to be a known idiom, or just any witty reply? Is this serious drama, or comedy?
– Astralbee
2 hours ago
Your "example" makes it crystal clear you want to be as disparaging as possible towards both your boss and any other workers who "suck up to him", in which case you're really spoilt for choice with expressions like toadying, brown-nosing, ass-licking, be obsequious / servile / sycophantic towards, bow and scrape, etc., etc. But for anyone who wanted to take a more pragmatic line (and perhaps also actually get a pay rise), it's worth remembering that He who pays the piper calls the tune.
– FumbleFingers
2 hours ago
Your "example" makes it crystal clear you want to be as disparaging as possible towards both your boss and any other workers who "suck up to him", in which case you're really spoilt for choice with expressions like toadying, brown-nosing, ass-licking, be obsequious / servile / sycophantic towards, bow and scrape, etc., etc. But for anyone who wanted to take a more pragmatic line (and perhaps also actually get a pay rise), it's worth remembering that He who pays the piper calls the tune.
– FumbleFingers
2 hours ago
@Astralbee it doesn't have to be a very common expression. I'm just looking for the closest fit for the image in the Arabic expression. I'm not looking for a witty reply straying from this.
– Sara
2 hours ago
@Astralbee it doesn't have to be a very common expression. I'm just looking for the closest fit for the image in the Arabic expression. I'm not looking for a witty reply straying from this.
– Sara
2 hours ago
1
1
@Sara Ok that's helpful. I've amended my answer slightly since you added in the context you want to use it.
– Astralbee
2 hours ago
@Sara Ok that's helpful. I've amended my answer slightly since you added in the context you want to use it.
– Astralbee
2 hours ago
1
1
But you should know that "the image in the Arabic expression" is essentially bound to Arabic culture as much as "idiomatic usage". Any attempt at a "literal translation" would probably be understood in English, because of the context in which it might be used. But the underlying "imagery" is effectively "alien" to Anglophones. In which context it might be worth noting that Anglophones in general don't use "dog" as an insult like this anywhere near as much as many other cultures / languages (though we do rather go overboard with bitch as an insulting term for women).
– FumbleFingers
2 hours ago
But you should know that "the image in the Arabic expression" is essentially bound to Arabic culture as much as "idiomatic usage". Any attempt at a "literal translation" would probably be understood in English, because of the context in which it might be used. But the underlying "imagery" is effectively "alien" to Anglophones. In which context it might be worth noting that Anglophones in general don't use "dog" as an insult like this anywhere near as much as many other cultures / languages (though we do rather go overboard with bitch as an insulting term for women).
– FumbleFingers
2 hours ago
 |Â
show 1 more comment
2 Answers
2
active
oldest
votes
up vote
5
down vote
One possibility is:
You should know which side your bread is buttered on.
It doesn't go as far as to advise outright ass-kissing, but it does advise to be aware that you need to remain in the good graces of someone who has such power over your life.
answered 3 hours ago
TᴚoɯÉÂuo
97.8k671161
add a comment |Â
up vote
4
down vote
There are certainly words which mean "ass-kissing", such as:
- "grovel" - act obsequiously in order to obtain favour.
- "kowtow" - to act in an excessively subservient manner.
- "ingratiate" - to gain favour by deliberate effort
- "fawning" - seeking approval or favour by means of flattery
And people who do so may be called a "sycophant" or, more informally, a "toady".
I have a suggestion - there is a known saying about obeying authority figures unquestioningly which is:
If your boss tells you to jump, you ask "how high?"
You could use this expression in the example you gave, and I think it would fit perfectly. But you could also adapt it slightly if you really wanted to keep on the subject of "ass kissing".
Husband: My manager wants me to kiss his ass.
Wife: Honey, if your manager wants you to kiss his ass you ask him "which cheek first?"
answered 2 hours ago
Astralbee
7,713530
That's perfect! it's witty and to the point. Thank you! But what if it's not about a boss? Is there a way to make it work with anyone other than a boss?
– Sara
2 hours ago
1
@Sara the expression "when I say 'jump' you say 'how high'" is associated with anyone in authority, for example drill sergeants in the military training new recruits. Although it's so old I'm sure they have any number of new ones they use these days. It's also more of a "top-down" argument, in that it's said by someone in authority, and not normally used by those doing the jumping.
– Andrew
2 hours ago
@Andrew and Astralbee, I've found a somewhat common Turkish expression: Call the bear uncle till you are safe across the bridge if it was to be said in the space above, would it make sense, convey the meaning and above all sound pleasant to your native ear?
– Sara
1 hour ago
1
@Sara "Call the bear 'uncle' until you are safely across the bridge" but yeah, it makes perfect sense. I think these kind of sentiments easily span any language barriers. :) Although you should be aware that, at least in the US, Russia is frequently referred to as a bear, so many might think this a reference to that country, or its foreign policy.
– Andrew
1 hour ago
add a comment |Â
2 Answers
2
active
oldest
votes
2 Answers
2
active
oldest
votes
active
oldest
votes
active
oldest
votes
up vote
5
down vote
One possibility is:
You should know which side your bread is buttered on.
It doesn't go as far as to advise outright ass-kissing, but it does advise to be aware that you need to remain in the good graces of someone who has such power over your life.
answered 3 hours ago
TᴚoɯÉÂuo
97.8k671161
add a comment |Â
up vote
5
down vote
One possibility is:
You should know which side your bread is buttered on.
It doesn't go as far as to advise outright ass-kissing, but it does advise to be aware that you need to remain in the good graces of someone who has such power over your life.
answered 3 hours ago
TᴚoɯÉÂuo
97.8k671161
add a comment |Â
up vote
5
down vote
up vote
5
down vote
One possibility is:
You should know which side your bread is buttered on.
It doesn't go as far as to advise outright ass-kissing, but it does advise to be aware that you need to remain in the good graces of someone who has such power over your life.
answered 3 hours ago
TᴚoɯÉÂuo
97.8k671161
One possibility is:
You should know which side your bread is buttered on.
It doesn't go as far as to advise outright ass-kissing, but it does advise to be aware that you need to remain in the good graces of someone who has such power over your life.
answered 3 hours ago
TᴚoɯÉÂuo
97.8k671161
answered 3 hours ago
TᴚoɯÉÂuo
97.8k671161
answered 3 hours ago
TᴚoɯÉÂuo
97.8k671161
answered 3 hours ago
TᴚoɯÉÂuo
97.8k671161
97.8k671161
add a comment |Â
add a comment |Â
up vote
4
down vote
There are certainly words which mean "ass-kissing", such as:
- "grovel" - act obsequiously in order to obtain favour.
- "kowtow" - to act in an excessively subservient manner.
- "ingratiate" - to gain favour by deliberate effort
- "fawning" - seeking approval or favour by means of flattery
And people who do so may be called a "sycophant" or, more informally, a "toady".
I have a suggestion - there is a known saying about obeying authority figures unquestioningly which is:
If your boss tells you to jump, you ask "how high?"
You could use this expression in the example you gave, and I think it would fit perfectly. But you could also adapt it slightly if you really wanted to keep on the subject of "ass kissing".
Husband: My manager wants me to kiss his ass.
Wife: Honey, if your manager wants you to kiss his ass you ask him "which cheek first?"
answered 2 hours ago
Astralbee
7,713530
That's perfect! it's witty and to the point. Thank you! But what if it's not about a boss? Is there a way to make it work with anyone other than a boss?
– Sara
2 hours ago
1
@Sara the expression "when I say 'jump' you say 'how high'" is associated with anyone in authority, for example drill sergeants in the military training new recruits. Although it's so old I'm sure they have any number of new ones they use these days. It's also more of a "top-down" argument, in that it's said by someone in authority, and not normally used by those doing the jumping.
– Andrew
2 hours ago
@Andrew and Astralbee, I've found a somewhat common Turkish expression: Call the bear uncle till you are safe across the bridge if it was to be said in the space above, would it make sense, convey the meaning and above all sound pleasant to your native ear?
– Sara
1 hour ago
1
@Sara "Call the bear 'uncle' until you are safely across the bridge" but yeah, it makes perfect sense. I think these kind of sentiments easily span any language barriers. :) Although you should be aware that, at least in the US, Russia is frequently referred to as a bear, so many might think this a reference to that country, or its foreign policy.
– Andrew
1 hour ago
add a comment |Â
up vote
4
down vote
There are certainly words which mean "ass-kissing", such as:
- "grovel" - act obsequiously in order to obtain favour.
- "kowtow" - to act in an excessively subservient manner.
- "ingratiate" - to gain favour by deliberate effort
- "fawning" - seeking approval or favour by means of flattery
And people who do so may be called a "sycophant" or, more informally, a "toady".
I have a suggestion - there is a known saying about obeying authority figures unquestioningly which is:
If your boss tells you to jump, you ask "how high?"
You could use this expression in the example you gave, and I think it would fit perfectly. But you could also adapt it slightly if you really wanted to keep on the subject of "ass kissing".
Husband: My manager wants me to kiss his ass.
Wife: Honey, if your manager wants you to kiss his ass you ask him "which cheek first?"
answered 2 hours ago
Astralbee
7,713530
That's perfect! it's witty and to the point. Thank you! But what if it's not about a boss? Is there a way to make it work with anyone other than a boss?
– Sara
2 hours ago
1
@Sara the expression "when I say 'jump' you say 'how high'" is associated with anyone in authority, for example drill sergeants in the military training new recruits. Although it's so old I'm sure they have any number of new ones they use these days. It's also more of a "top-down" argument, in that it's said by someone in authority, and not normally used by those doing the jumping.
– Andrew
2 hours ago
@Andrew and Astralbee, I've found a somewhat common Turkish expression: Call the bear uncle till you are safe across the bridge if it was to be said in the space above, would it make sense, convey the meaning and above all sound pleasant to your native ear?
– Sara
1 hour ago
1
@Sara "Call the bear 'uncle' until you are safely across the bridge" but yeah, it makes perfect sense. I think these kind of sentiments easily span any language barriers. :) Although you should be aware that, at least in the US, Russia is frequently referred to as a bear, so many might think this a reference to that country, or its foreign policy.
– Andrew
1 hour ago
add a comment |Â
up vote
4
down vote
up vote
4
down vote
There are certainly words which mean "ass-kissing", such as:
- "grovel" - act obsequiously in order to obtain favour.
- "kowtow" - to act in an excessively subservient manner.
- "ingratiate" - to gain favour by deliberate effort
- "fawning" - seeking approval or favour by means of flattery
And people who do so may be called a "sycophant" or, more informally, a "toady".
I have a suggestion - there is a known saying about obeying authority figures unquestioningly which is:
If your boss tells you to jump, you ask "how high?"
You could use this expression in the example you gave, and I think it would fit perfectly. But you could also adapt it slightly if you really wanted to keep on the subject of "ass kissing".
Husband: My manager wants me to kiss his ass.
Wife: Honey, if your manager wants you to kiss his ass you ask him "which cheek first?"
answered 2 hours ago
Astralbee
7,713530
There are certainly words which mean "ass-kissing", such as:
- "grovel" - act obsequiously in order to obtain favour.
- "kowtow" - to act in an excessively subservient manner.
- "ingratiate" - to gain favour by deliberate effort
- "fawning" - seeking approval or favour by means of flattery
And people who do so may be called a "sycophant" or, more informally, a "toady".
I have a suggestion - there is a known saying about obeying authority figures unquestioningly which is:
If your boss tells you to jump, you ask "how high?"
You could use this expression in the example you gave, and I think it would fit perfectly. But you could also adapt it slightly if you really wanted to keep on the subject of "ass kissing".
Husband: My manager wants me to kiss his ass.
Wife: Honey, if your manager wants you to kiss his ass you ask him "which cheek first?"
answered 2 hours ago
Astralbee
7,713530
edited 2 hours ago
answered 2 hours ago
Astralbee
7,713530
answered 2 hours ago
Astralbee
7,713530
answered 2 hours ago
Astralbee
7,713530
7,713530
That's perfect! it's witty and to the point. Thank you! But what if it's not about a boss? Is there a way to make it work with anyone other than a boss?
– Sara
2 hours ago
1
@Sara the expression "when I say 'jump' you say 'how high'" is associated with anyone in authority, for example drill sergeants in the military training new recruits. Although it's so old I'm sure they have any number of new ones they use these days. It's also more of a "top-down" argument, in that it's said by someone in authority, and not normally used by those doing the jumping.
– Andrew
2 hours ago
@Andrew and Astralbee, I've found a somewhat common Turkish expression: Call the bear uncle till you are safe across the bridge if it was to be said in the space above, would it make sense, convey the meaning and above all sound pleasant to your native ear?
– Sara
1 hour ago
1
@Sara "Call the bear 'uncle' until you are safely across the bridge" but yeah, it makes perfect sense. I think these kind of sentiments easily span any language barriers. :) Although you should be aware that, at least in the US, Russia is frequently referred to as a bear, so many might think this a reference to that country, or its foreign policy.
– Andrew
1 hour ago
add a comment |Â
That's perfect! it's witty and to the point. Thank you! But what if it's not about a boss? Is there a way to make it work with anyone other than a boss?
– Sara
2 hours ago
1
@Sara the expression "when I say 'jump' you say 'how high'" is associated with anyone in authority, for example drill sergeants in the military training new recruits. Although it's so old I'm sure they have any number of new ones they use these days. It's also more of a "top-down" argument, in that it's said by someone in authority, and not normally used by those doing the jumping.
– Andrew
2 hours ago
@Andrew and Astralbee, I've found a somewhat common Turkish expression: Call the bear uncle till you are safe across the bridge if it was to be said in the space above, would it make sense, convey the meaning and above all sound pleasant to your native ear?
– Sara
1 hour ago
1
@Sara "Call the bear 'uncle' until you are safely across the bridge" but yeah, it makes perfect sense. I think these kind of sentiments easily span any language barriers. :) Although you should be aware that, at least in the US, Russia is frequently referred to as a bear, so many might think this a reference to that country, or its foreign policy.
– Andrew
1 hour ago
That's perfect! it's witty and to the point. Thank you! But what if it's not about a boss? Is there a way to make it work with anyone other than a boss?
– Sara
2 hours ago
That's perfect! it's witty and to the point. Thank you! But what if it's not about a boss? Is there a way to make it work with anyone other than a boss?
– Sara
2 hours ago
1
1
@Sara the expression "when I say 'jump' you say 'how high'" is associated with anyone in authority, for example drill sergeants in the military training new recruits. Although it's so old I'm sure they have any number of new ones they use these days. It's also more of a "top-down" argument, in that it's said by someone in authority, and not normally used by those doing the jumping.
– Andrew
2 hours ago
@Sara the expression "when I say 'jump' you say 'how high'" is associated with anyone in authority, for example drill sergeants in the military training new recruits. Although it's so old I'm sure they have any number of new ones they use these days. It's also more of a "top-down" argument, in that it's said by someone in authority, and not normally used by those doing the jumping.
– Andrew
2 hours ago
@Andrew and Astralbee, I've found a somewhat common Turkish expression: Call the bear uncle till you are safe across the bridge if it was to be said in the space above, would it make sense, convey the meaning and above all sound pleasant to your native ear?
– Sara
1 hour ago
@Andrew and Astralbee, I've found a somewhat common Turkish expression: Call the bear uncle till you are safe across the bridge if it was to be said in the space above, would it make sense, convey the meaning and above all sound pleasant to your native ear?
– Sara
1 hour ago
1
1
@Sara "Call the bear 'uncle' until you are safely across the bridge" but yeah, it makes perfect sense. I think these kind of sentiments easily span any language barriers. :) Although you should be aware that, at least in the US, Russia is frequently referred to as a bear, so many might think this a reference to that country, or its foreign policy.
– Andrew
1 hour ago
@Sara "Call the bear 'uncle' until you are safely across the bridge" but yeah, it makes perfect sense. I think these kind of sentiments easily span any language barriers. :) Although you should be aware that, at least in the US, Russia is frequently referred to as a bear, so many might think this a reference to that country, or its foreign policy.
– Andrew
1 hour ago
add a comment |Â
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Question - are you looking for the reply to be a known idiom, or just any witty reply? Is this serious drama, or comedy?
– Astralbee
2 hours ago
Your "example" makes it crystal clear you want to be as disparaging as possible towards both your boss and any other workers who "suck up to him", in which case you're really spoilt for choice with expressions like toadying, brown-nosing, ass-licking, be obsequious / servile / sycophantic towards, bow and scrape, etc., etc. But for anyone who wanted to take a more pragmatic line (and perhaps also actually get a pay rise), it's worth remembering that He who pays the piper calls the tune.
– FumbleFingers
2 hours ago
@Astralbee it doesn't have to be a very common expression. I'm just looking for the closest fit for the image in the Arabic expression. I'm not looking for a witty reply straying from this.
– Sara
2 hours ago
1
@Sara Ok that's helpful. I've amended my answer slightly since you added in the context you want to use it.
– Astralbee
2 hours ago
1
But you should know that "the image in the Arabic expression" is essentially bound to Arabic culture as much as "idiomatic usage". Any attempt at a "literal translation" would probably be understood in English, because of the context in which it might be used. But the underlying "imagery" is effectively "alien" to Anglophones. In which context it might be worth noting that Anglophones in general don't use "dog" as an insult like this anywhere near as much as many other cultures / languages (though we do rather go overboard with bitch as an insulting term for women).
– FumbleFingers
2 hours ago