Lesson 74

Question 1

Left-handed compliment

Answer 1

A remark that seems to say something pleasant about a person but could also be an insult

Question 2

Give praise to

Answer 2

Is usually used only for a god

Question 3

Pay tribute to

Answer 3

Praise (formal)

Question 4

give someone a standing ovation

Answer 4

Stand up and clap loudly for a long time

Question 5

Extol the virtues / benefits of

Answer 5

Praise highly (formal)

Question 6

Be the toast of

Answer 6

Be admired for someone recent achievement (often used about artists and celebrities)

Question 7

Pat someone on the back / give someone a pat on the back

Answer 7

Praise, often children (used mostly methaphorically)

Question 8

Earn/win plaudits

Answer 8

Get positive comments (formal)

Question 9

Laud

Answer 9

Praise highly in official situations (formal)

Question 10

To flatter / to make up to / to suck up to / to lick someone’s boots

Answer 10

These mostly informal expressions imply praising someone for your own benefit

Question 11

Smarmy

Answer 11

Extremely polite, respectful or helpful in a way which is intended to be attractive but which does not seem sincere (informal, disapproving)

Question 12

Slimy

Answer 12

If you describe a person or their manner as slimy, you mean that they appear to be friendly but in a way that you find unpleasant

Question 13

Servile

Answer 13

Too eager to serve and please someone else in a way that shows you do not have much respect for yourself

Question 14

Obsequious

Answer 14

Too eager to praise or obey someone

Question 15

Compliment

Answer 15

A remark that express approval, admiration or respect