buttonhole (someone)
To confine or accost someone in or with conversation. Likened to holding onto someone by the lapels (on which the buttonhole used for a boutonniere is located). I tried to leave the office early, but Larry buttonholed me with a tedious conversation about weekend plans. I had a train to catch, so I couldn't let the boss buttonhole me with a lecture on proper filing methods. You can't show the slightest bit of interest in anything our neighbor says, otherwise, he'll buttonhole you.
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.
buttonhole someone
Accost or detain a person in conversation. For example, The reporter tried to buttonhole the senator, but she got away. This term is a metaphor for literally grasping someone by a buttonhole on his or her clothing. [Mid-1800s]
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer. Copyright © 2003, 1997 by The Christine Ammer 1992 Trust. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.