拍马屁

拍马屁

Literally means:

slapping the horse's ass

Actually means:

flatter; lick one's boots

It is the colloquial form of 拍马. It is said that in ancient times the nomadic people usually complimented a good horse by patting its behind. It figuratively means flattering someone in order to gain favor with him or to secure social relations. Derogatory.

马屁股的方式来称赞马好。比喻用好听的话讨好人家。这往往是为了从人家那里得到好处，有时是为了应酬，获得人情。具有贬义色彩。