Verb
-
try to gain favor by cringing or flattering
"He is always kowtowing to his boss"
-
ingratiate oneself to
often with insincere behavior
"She is playing up to the chairman"
- cozy up - cotton up - shine up - play up - sidle up -
take in, also metaphorically
"The sponge absorbs water well"
"She drew strength from the minister's words"
- soak up - sop up - take in - take up