expression, godan verb (-ru)
flatter a superior; curry favor with a higher-up
Idiomatic expression literally meaning 'to brush the dirt from a beard', used figuratively for sycophantic behavior toward someone of higher status.
See also: 御髭の塵を払う
彼はいつも上司のお髭の塵を取っている。
He is always flattering his boss.
Standard kanji spelling for this idiomatic expression.
Variant spelling using the honorific prefix 御 instead of お.
Synonymous expression using 払う instead of 取る; essentially the same meaning and usage.
The literal image is of brushing dust from someone's beard, an act of servile attention, which gave rise to the figurative meaning of flattering a superior.