ingratiate oneself with
/ɪnˈɡreɪʃieɪt wʌnˈself wɪð/
Meaning
This formal expression means to deliberately try to make someone like you or gain their favor, approval, or acceptance, often by flattering them, doing favors, or trying to please them. It frequently carries a slightly negative or calculating connotation, suggesting that the effort is insincere or done for personal advantage.
Examples
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He tried to ingratiate himself with the new boss by bringing her coffee every morning.
He tried to ingratiate himself with the new boss by bringing her coffee every morning.
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She spent the evening trying to ingratiate herself with the influential members of the committee.
She spent the evening trying to ingratiate herself with the influential members of the committee.
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It was obvious that he was only trying to ingratiate himself with his wealthy in-laws.
It was obvious that he was only trying to ingratiate himself with his wealthy in-laws.
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Politicians often attempt to ingratiate themselves with local communities right before an election.
Politicians often attempt to ingratiate themselves with local communities right before an election.
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Instead of trying to ingratiate yourself with everyone, focus on doing high-quality work.
Instead of trying to ingratiate yourself with everyone, focus on doing high-quality work.
Common Mistakes
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✗ He tried to ingratiate the manager to get a promotion.
✓ He tried to ingratiate himself with the manager to get a promotion.
'Ingratiate' is a reflexive verb and must be followed by a reflexive pronoun (himself, herself, etc.) and the preposition 'with'.
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✗ She tried to ingratiate her boss with compliments.
✓ She tried to ingratiate herself with her boss using compliments.
You must ingratiate 'yourself' with someone, not ingratiate another person directly.
Related Expressions
Practice
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To ___ a powerful group of people is often seen as a calculated political move.
💡 Try to gain favor or approval from someone.
Show answer
ingratiate oneself with
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It is often counterproductive to try to ___ others through superficial flattery.
💡 Gain favor or approval by deliberate effort.
Show answer
ingratiate oneself with