“Curry Favor with Someone”: Meaning & Usage of This English Idiom

Have you ever wondered why someone would “curry favor” when there’s no spicy dish involved?

Imagine being in a casual conversation when someone says, “I’m going to curry favor with my supervisor this week.”

This common English idiom has nothing to do with cooking or spices, despite what it might sound like at first.

Understanding this expression will help you avoid misunderstandings and use it confidently in your daily conversations.

What Does This Idiom Mean?

Definition and Essence
“Curry favor” means to seek approval or goodwill through flattering remarks, special treatment, or small but deliberate gestures.

It’s often done to gain some form of advantage, such as receiving a promotion or maintaining a positive impression.

The key point is the somewhat insincere or tactical nature of the effort; the person currying favor is usually trying to make themselves look good in the eyes of the individual they wish to impress.

In everyday life, you might see colleagues praising the boss publicly or bringing them coffee every morning in the hope of securing a better evaluation.

You might also hear someone say, “She’s just currying favor with the teacher so she can retake the test.” In these scenarios, the intention is clear: the person wants to please a superior or someone in authority.

Quick Note on Context

When you hear someone say they’re “currying favor,” remember that the expression can carry a slightly negative tone if you’re describing someone else’s actions.

However, many people also use it in a lighthearted or joking manner about themselves: “I brought extra donuts to the meeting today—just currying favor with the team!”

Origin of “Curry Favor”

The Origin: “Curry Favel”

The phrase “curry favor” traces back to Middle English, deriving from the term “curry favel.” In that older usage, “curry” meant “to groom,” and “Favel” was the name of a horse symbolizing cunning or deceit.

When someone groomed (or “curried”) this allegorical horse, it suggested they were smoothing things over or flattering others to get what they wanted.

Over time, “curry favel” naturally evolved into the modern expression “curry favor,” shedding its original reference to a horse but retaining the idea of flattery and manipulation.

Why This Matters

Understanding the origin gives you deeper insight into the idiom’s nuance. You’ll often notice that people who use “curry favor” may be hinting that the behavior is more tactical than genuine.

Knowledge of this background can help you interpret the speaker’s intention more accurately, whether they’re being humorous, critical, or just playfully describing their actions.

Funny Mix-Up: Curry Incident

Two lines of text can’t fully capture how easily this idiom can be misunderstood, so let’s explore a story that highlights the confusion.

A Personal Anecdote
A chef named John worked in a fast-paced restaurant and wanted to impress the head chef, who also happened to be his direct superior.

John believed that literally cooking curry—his specialty—would “curry favor” with the boss. Unfortunately, his boss hated spicy food and found the smell overwhelming.

When the boss encountered a kitchen full of strong aromas he detested, John’s elaborate dish became a flop. Instead of earning praise, John got a stern lecture about respecting his superior’s tastes.

This story shows how a literal interpretation can lead to comedic, and sometimes disastrous, results.

Lesson Learned

Common Mix-Ups

Bringing Curry to the Office:
A new employee wanted to “curry favor” with their boss by offering homemade food. Sadly, the boss was allergic to some of the spices used.

The whole plan backfired when an allergic reaction forced the boss to take the day off, leaving the employee more embarrassed than ever.

Promising Something You Can’t Deliver:
A politician vows massive tax breaks to win support: “He’s trying to curry favor with voters by promising a huge tax cut.” Imagine the confusion if he accidentally made this promise at a gathering of local tax auditors.

In both situations, the fundamental principle is the same: you’re attempting to please or impress someone, although sometimes these efforts produce unintended consequences.

Everyday Practical Examples

Here are a few practical, everyday examples that demonstrate how people might curry favor in different settings. Each bullet includes a short two-line context to help you see how the phrase can appear in conversation.

1. Workplace:
   • “He’s always currying favor with the boss by staying late and cleaning the break room.”
   • This might be a strategic move to be seen as indispensable or exceedingly helpful.
     
     
2. Classroom:
   • “She tried to curry favor with the teacher by always volunteering to pass out handouts.”
   • Extra helpfulness can sometimes lead to better rapport with instructors.
     
     
3. Family Gatherings:
   • “He was currying favor with his in-laws by lavishing them with thoughtful gifts.”
   • A genuine gesture, but it can appear insincere if done too eagerly for approval.
     
     
4. Social Circles:
   • “He brought two dozen donuts to the club meeting, hoping to curry favor with the group.”
   • Food can be a powerful motivator, especially if you want people to like you quickly.
     
     
5. Online Communities:
   • “Posting flattering comments to the moderator is one way he tries to curry favor.”
   • Even in digital spaces, the concept of winning favor remains the same.

Memory Tricks

Think of Curry Powder:
Envision how curry powder blends various spices to create a unified flavor. Similarly, currying favor combines a set of flattering tactics—compliments, supportive gestures, or small favors—to create a positive impression.

Spice Up Your Relationships:
Link the idea of “adding spice” to your interactions. When you “curry favor,” you are, in a figurative sense, sprinkling positive remarks or actions to enhance how someone perceives you.

Remember the Horse:
Recalling the story behind “curry favel” can be helpful. Picture grooming a tricky horse named Favel. By imagining how the medieval term became a modern idiom, you’re more likely to remember that it refers to flattery.

Pop Quiz: Check Your Idiom Skills

Cultural Sensitivity Notes

Final Thoughts

Mastering the idiom “curry favor” boosts your confidence when speaking English. Whether you’re talking about work or personal life, it’s a handy way to describe trying to gain approval through praise or attention.

Here are some key takeaways: