PhrasesHub

Curry favour

    Definitions

      • seek approval or favor from someone
        Trying to gain someone's favor or goodwill through flattery or other means in order to benefit oneself in some way.

      • manipulate or ingratiate oneself with someone
        Attempting to win someone over or gain their approval through insincere or deceitful means, often in order to gain some sort of advantage or benefit.

    Examples of Curry favour

    • The CEO of the company was currying favour with the Chairman during the meeting by repeating the same statements as the Chairman.

      In this case, the CEO was trying too hard to please the Chairman by agreeing with almost all of his statements.

    • My boss was currying favour with the finance department by sending them emails appreciating their efforts.

      In this example, the boss was trying to win over the finance department by complimenting them on their hard work and dedication.

    • The politician was currying favour with the voters by promising them freebies in return for their votes.

      In this instance, the politician was trying to gain support by offering gifts or benefits to the voters.

    • My friend was currying favour with the boss by sending him regular reports and meeting all his deadlines.

      Here, my friend was trying to impress the boss by completing all his tasks on time and submitting regular reports, indicating his hard work and dedication.

    • Sarah has been currying favour with the boss by bringing him coffee every morning.

      Sarah is doing small favours or acts of kindness for her boss in order to gain his approval or favour.

    • After the meeting, John went out to lunch with the CEO, hoping to curry favour for his upcoming promotion.

      John is trying to impress and win over the CEO to secure a promotion.

    • Tom has been currying favour with the sales team by consistently meeting his sales targets.

      Tom is working hard to meet the expectations of the sales team in order to gain their approval and support.

    • During the interview, Amanda made sure to curry favour with the hiring manager by highlighting her past achievements and qualifications.

      Amanda was trying to present herself in a favourable light to the interviewer in order to increase her chances of getting the job.All four examples showcase different situations where 'curry favour' could be applied in professional settings.


    Conclusion

    The idiom "curry favour" has two main meanings, both of which involve trying to gain someone's approval or favor. The first meaning is more straightforward, referring to seeking someone's favor in order to benefit oneself in some way. This could involve flattery, gifts, or other means of trying to win someone over. The second meaning is more negative, suggesting a manipulative or insincere attempt to ingratiate oneself with someone for personal gain.

    Origin of "Curry favour"

    The origin of the idiom "curry favour" can be traced back to the practice of curry in Indian cuisine. "Curry" refers to a mixture of spices and herbs that are used to flavor dishes, and traditionally, it was believed that adding spices to a dish would improve its taste and make it more enjoyable. In a similar way, the idiom "curry favour" suggests that by using flattery or other means to win someone's favor, one can improve their standing or relationship with that person.

    Another theory suggests that the term "curry" may have originated from the French word "cuire," meaning to cook, and the word "favour" from the Latin word "faver," meaning to show kindness or approval. This interpretation would suggest that the idiom originally referred to the act of cooking or preparing food in a way that would please someone in order to gain their favor.

    Regardless of its exact origins, the idiom "curry favour" has been in use since at least the 16th century and remains a popular phrase in English today.