Suck up to – Conversation Practice

Angela: Kevin always sucks up to our manager, Jim. It is kind of annoying.

Megan: I know what you mean. This morning Kevin kept talking about how Jim had lost so much weight and how good he looked.

Angela: I know. That made me roll my eyes. Also, during this afternoon’s meeting, he kept talking about how smart and great Jim is.

Megan: Do you think Jim realizes what Kevin is doing?

Angela: I think Jim knows that Kevin is sucking up to him, but I think that Jim likes it. He likes having someone always say nice things to him even if they are not completely true.

Megan: I guess you’re right, but it is annoying to everyone else.

Angela: You can say that again.

1. to suck up to (somebody): to flatter or say very nice things that are exaggerated or not entirely true in order to gain favor

  • He always sucks up to his boss.

  • I have never sucked up to a manager or boss.

2. to roll one’s eyes: to move one’s eyes to the back of one’s head in order to show that something is ridiculous, stupid, or nonsense

  • I told him my idea, and he just rolled his eyes.

  • He has a bad habit. He always rolls his eyes when he disagrees with somebody.

3. You can say that again.: I agree with you.; I think so, too.

  • A) That movie was hilarious.
B) You can say that again.

  • A) This steak is great.
B) You can say that again.