brownie points
Praise or appreciation, usually a result of something one has done. I think I'll earn some brownie points with my mom if I set the table. You might get brownie points from the boss for volunteering to do things around the office, but it won't translate into a pay raise or promotion. You scored major brownie points with my parents for all the work you did around their back yard.
win brownie points
To earn praise or appreciation as a result of something one has done. I think I'll win some brownie points with my mom if I set the table. He's always offering to do odd jobs for the boss in an attempt to win brownie points.
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.
brownie points
Credit for a good deed, as in John earned a lot of brownie points for doing his boss's report for him. The term originated with the points earned for various achievements by the youngest group of the Girl Scouts, called Brownies. In the mid-1900s it was transferred to general use.
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.
brownie points
COMMON If someone gets brownie points for doing something, they are praised and admired for it. You might want to earn brownie points by fitting in with the local traditions. These promotions allow supermarkets to score brownie points with the consumer by offering them a cheap deal. Note: The Brownies is an organization for young girls. Members are expected to be well-behaved and helpful.
Collins COBUILD Idioms Dictionary, 3rd ed. © HarperCollins Publishers 2012
ˈbrownie points
if somebody does something to earn brownie points, they do it to make somebody in authority have a good opinion of them: She’s only working late to win brownie points with the boss. OPPOSITE: a black mark (against somebody)The Brownies is a club for young girls which trains them in practical skills and does a lot of activities such as camping. The girls are awarded points for good behaviour and achievements.
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017
brownie points
n. imaginary credit for doing something well. (Originally “demerits” in railroading.) How many brownie points do I get for not frowning when you take my picture?
McGraw-Hill's Dictionary of American Slang and Colloquial Expressions Copyright © 2006 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved.
brownie points, win
Earn credits to one’s good standing, advancement, or the like. The term comes from the system of awards used by the junior division of the Girl Scouts of America, called the Brownies. In the mid-twentieth century it began to be applied figuratively to good deeds or worthy accomplishments in any area.
The Dictionary of Clichés by Christine Ammer Copyright © 2013 by Christine Ammer