to stroke
12
7.9
- verb
- /stroʊk/
- Informal
:
hacer la pelota (inf.)
- Okay, so, as long as you stroke his ego, he'll keep playing.
- stroke someone's ego
I hate how people have demonized the phrase stroke his ego.
- I hate how people have demonized the phrase stroke his ego.
- OK, so someone's going to come along, starting to compliment, pour into him, stroke his ego, whatever the case may be.
- He's so bold, it's like they have to constantly stroke his ego because he is such an insecure titty baby.
Examples
-
Alvin sat down on the edge and stroked back her wet hair.
Fiction book (2002) -
Keep right on stroking your own ego.
-
And they go on to say when his ego gets stroked, he'll be more inclined to love you more.
-
Do you think maybe he's just stroking your ego a little bit?
-
Anya closes her eyes as Tatiana continues to stroke her hair.
Fiction book (1997) -
"What shall I do?" she asked the dog, stroking her fingers through the silky fur.
Fiction book (2002) -
It's often a delicate balancing act, keeping a boss's ego stroked while gaining some independence for yourself.
Blog text (1) -
If you stroke his ego by complimenting his work, he'll be more likely to help you.
-
She knows how to stroke his ego with flattering words to keep him happy.
-
To win her over, he decided to stroke her ego by praising her creativity.
Idioms
Phrasal Verbs
Compounds
- Specialized
1
4.2
A short time when blood flow to the brain stops and causes sudden symptoms like weakness or trouble speaking
- Specialized
1
5.1
A stroke caused by a blood clot that stops blood flow to the brain
- Specialized
1
3.9
A swimming stroke where both arms move forward together and the legs kick like a dolphin
- Specialized
1
4.4
A machine that makes power using four piston movements in one cycle
- Specialized
1
5.6
A sudden bleed inside the brain that damages nearby brain cells
- Specialized
A machine that burns fuel inside and makes power in four piston strokes
- Specialized
A machine that removes branches from cut trees to prepare logs for transport
- Informal
A nickname for Derry/Londonderry that highlights its lively art and culture
How Flattering
Surface Forms
Etymology
To stroke someone in the sense of winning their favor comes from the idea of a gentle touch or praise, so people 'stroke' others with kind words or acts to keep them pleased.