English Idioms

Comprehensive resource for understanding and mastering English idioms

Curry favour

Meaning

The idiom "curry favor" means to do something or behave in a certain way in order to gain approval, support, or favor from someone. It can also mean to seek or win someone's approval, support, or favor by doing something for them or by being pleasing to them.

Usage

I always curry favor with my boss by being punctual and going above and beyond what is expected of me.
My friend curried favor with his colleagues by volunteering to take on extra tasks during a busy project.
The politician curried favor with the voters by making promises that he knew he could not keep.
The new employee curried favor with her coworkers by bringing in snacks for everyone.
My sister curried favor with our parents by always doing well in school and staying out of trouble. The usage of this idiom can vary depending on the context. For example, it can be used to describe someone who is trying to gain approval or support from someone they want to impress or please, such as a boss or friend. It can also be used to describe someone who is not being sincere and is only doing something in order to gain favor.

Roots and History

The idiom "curry favor" dates back to the 16th century and comes from the idea of currying a dish with spices to make it more flavorful. In this sense, "curry favor" means to do something that will make someone more favorable or appealing to you. Over time, the idiom has evolved to mean seeking approval or support from someone by doing something for them or by being pleasing to them.

Synonyms in English

Seek favor
Win over
Gain approval
Be approved of
win support

Synonyms in other languages

French: "obeir" - to obey or comply with someone's wishes
Spanish: "obligar" - to bind or oblige someone to do something
German: "annehmen" - to accept or agree to a situation or obligation
Italian: "obbedire" - to obey or follow someone's instructions
Japanese: "辛める" - to work hard or strive for approval