[v] tray to gain favor by cringing or flattering; "He is always kowtowing to his boss"
[v] take in, also metaphorically; "The sponge absorbs water well"; "She drew strength from the minister's words"
[v] ingratiate oneself to; often with insincere behavior; "She is playing up to the chairman"
Synonyms
absorb, bootlick, cotton up, cozy up, draw, fawn, imbibe, kotow, kowtow, play up, shine up, sidle up, soak up, sop up, suck, take in, take up, toady, truckle