ごまをする

expression, godan verb (-ru)

flatter; butter up; toady to

Idiomatic expression for insincere flattery, often used to gain favor with a superior. The image is of grinding sesame seeds, which stick to everything—like a sycophant who clings to someone.

• 彼かれは上じょう司しにごまをすってばかりいる。

  He's always buttering up his boss.

• ごまをすっても無む駄だだよ。

  Flattery won't get you anywhere.

expression, godan verb (-ru)

grind sesame seeds

Only when written 胡麻を擂る

Literal meaning of the phrase. When used literally, kanji forms like 胡麻を擂る are more common.

• すり鉢ばちで胡ご麻まを擂する。

  Grind sesame seeds in a mortar.