豚ぶたもおだてりゃ木きに登のぼる

expression, godan verb (-ru)

flattery will motivate anyone; even a pig will climb a tree if flattered

Proverb meaning that with enough flattery, even someone unlikely or incapable can be persuaded to do something difficult. Often used humorously.

• 彼かれは料りょう理りが苦にが手てだけど、豚ぶたもおだてりゃ木きに登のぼるって言いうし、褒ほめてやれば意い外がいと頑がん張ばるかもね。

  He's not good at cooking, but as they say, even a pig will climb a tree if flattered—if you praise him, he might actually try hard.

• 「豚ぶたもおだてりゃ木きに登のぼる」というから、あの無む気き力りょくな新しん人じんも、うまく持もち上あげればやる気きを出だすかもしれない。

  They say 'even a pig will climb a tree if flattered,' so maybe that unmotivated new hire will get motivated if we butter him up right.