B

[butter]

See: [BREAD AND BUTTER].

[butter up]  {v.},  {informal}

To try to get the favor or friendship of (a person) by flattery or pleasantness.

He began to butter up the boss in hope of being given a better job.

Compare: [POLISH THE APPLE].

[butter wouldn't melt in one's mouth]  {informal}

You act very polite and friendly but do not really care, you are very nice to people but are not sincere.

* /The new secretary was rude to the other workers, but when she talked to the boss, butter  […]

[butterflies in one's stomach]  {n. phr.}

A queer feeling in the stomach caused by nervous fear or uncertainty; a feeling of fear or anxiety in the stomach.

When Bob walked into the factory office to ask for a job, he had butterflies in his stomach.  […]

[button]

See:

[HAVE ALL ONE'S BUTTONS],

[ON THE BUTTON],

[PUSH THE PANIC BUTTON].

[button down]  {v.},  {slang} (stress on "down")

To state precisely, to ascertain, to pin down, to peg down.

[button one's lip] also [zip one's lip]  {v. phr.},  {slang}

To stop talking; keep a secret; shut your mouth; be quiet.

The man was getting loud and insulting and the cop told him to button his lip.

* /John wanted to talk, but Dan told him to keep  […]

[button-down]  {attrib. adj.},  {slang} (stress on "button")

Well-groomed, conservatively dressed.

[buttonhole]  {v.}

To approach a person in order to speak with him or her in private.

[buy for a song]  {v. phr.}

To buy something very cheaply.