胡麻を擂る

• Reading: ごまをする
• Romaji: goma wo suru
• Kanji breakdown: 胡麻 (goma) — sesame; 擂 (rai/su) — grind, crush
• Pronunciation: /ɡo.ma.o.sɯ.ɾɯ/

Meaning

To flatter; to butter up; to curry favour. An idiomatic expression meaning to ingratiate oneself with someone.

An idiomatic expression using the Group 1 (godan) verb 擂る (to grind). Literally means to grind sesame seeds. The metaphor comes from the way sesame seeds scatter everywhere when ground — just as a flatterer spreads praise in every direction. Very commonly written in hiragana as ごまをする.

Examples

1. 上司にごまをすっても昇進には繋がらないよ。 Buttering up your boss won't get you a promotion.
2. あの人はいつも部長にごまをすっている。 That person is always sucking up to the department manager.
3. ごまをするのは苦手だから、実力で認めてもらいたい。 I'm no good at flattery, so I want to be recognized on my own merits.

Usage Guide

Context: workplace, social commentary, daily life

Tone: critical

Origin & History

The metaphor comes from grinding sesame seeds in a mortar — the seeds stick to everything they touch, just as a flatterer attaches praise to anyone who might benefit them. Dates back to the Edo period.

Cultural Context

Era: Edo period

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal