spoil (one) rotten

(redirected from spoil them rotten)

spoil (one) rotten

To cause one to expect to receive everything they want by always giving it to them. In this phrase, "rotten" is an intensifier. I think some grandparents believe it's their duty to spoil their grandchildren rotten.
See also: rotten, spoil

spoiled rotten

Fig. indulged in; greatly spoiled. This kid is spoiled rotten! I was spoiled rotten when I was a child, so I'm used to this kind of wasteful luxury.
See also: rotten, spoil

spoil somebody ˈrotten

(informal) give somebody everything they want or ask for: She spoils the kids rotten.
See also: rotten, somebody, spoil
References in periodicals archive ?
You won't be stuck for inspiration when it comes to finding the perfect present for mums, daughters, sisters or grans, as well as the in-laws with our 13 ways to spoil them rotten.
Hi! Christmas can be a stressful [...]; A Cash Queens Special
"In the old days the way to differentiate a business class customer was to serve some Boli up the front and spoil them rotten [while] the others got jammed in the back.
Battles rage on for best lounges
I'm going to have lots of cuddles with my nieces and nephews and I'll spoil them rotten."
How Amy escaped her life of violence; Cases of domestic violence rise over the festive season. NICOLA WEATHERALL meets one brave woman who is rebuilding her life after suffering years of abuse
"I would also treat the family and spoil them rotten."
Marcus has his eye on the prize
A POEM FOR LESLEY ON HER RETIREMENT Lesley my dear, you gave me a shock, Didn't realise you were watching the retirement clock, The joyous day was Wednesday the seventh, After that day life was just heaven, No more work to make you grumptious, Home with Graham will be just scrumptious, Off on the road with your new caravan, "I will keep to the left", says Stan the man, Much more time to spend with the grandkids, Spoil them rotten and spend lots of quids, No time at all to just sit around, no you just can't, You will be too busy looking after your aunt, We will miss you Lesley, you are the best, Now it's time for a fun-filled rest.
Poets' corner
She said: "I've got two dogs of my own and I absolutely love to spoil them rotten. They love being the centre of attention and what better way to do that than dress them up in their favourite outfits?
If a fur coat won't quite do
Most people in her situation would palm their kids off to the nanny and spoil them rotten.
MADONNA IS MODEL MUM
'For a short time grandchildren are lovely to see and you can spoil them rotten without fear of them taking advantage, but if grandparents are part of the workforce at home I think the novelty wears off for both the grandparents and grandchildren.'
A grand family role
It would have been so easy for him to spoil them rotten but he made sure they were down-to-earth and they are their own people.'
Baby joy as Sir Paul reveals his fifth child is on the way
It would have been so easy for him to spoil them rotten but he made sure they were down- to earth and they are their own people.
Gerry: His pace hasn't flagged
"The cats are my family and I spoil them rotten, but they are worth it."
Supermodel pussycat is sitting pretty
"Any gran wants to be able to run after their grandchildren and spoil them rotten.
pounds 100,000 FOR LOST CUDDLES
"I'm going to spoil them rotten. Perhaps we'll go out for a big meal.
Gran grabs grand prize; CHRONICLE COMPETITION BRINGS JOY AFTERPAIN FOR WINNER
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