good graces

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English

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Pronunciation

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Noun

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good graces pl (plural only)

  1. (idiomatic) Favorable regard; personal approval; kindly treatment.
    • 1831, Sir Walter Scott, My Aunt Margaret's Mirror:
      [H]e had insinuated himself into the good graces of an ancient and rich burgomaster, and, by his handsome person and graceful manners, captivated the affections of his only child.
    • 1894, Mark Twain, chapter 6, in The Tragedy of Pudd'Nhead Wilson:
      [T]he twins' charm of manner and easy and polished bearing made speedy conquest of the family's good graces.
    • 1910, Lucy Maud Montgomery, chapter 16, in Kilmeny of the Orchard:
      David had, in the space of an hour, captured Mrs. Williamson's heart, wormed himself into the good graces of Timothy, and become hail-fellow-well-met with old Robert.
    • 1996 February 6, Clifford Krauss, “New York's Thin, Angry Blue Line”, in New York Times, retrieved 26 December 2012:
      That has prompted leaders of the Patrolmen's Benevolent Association to threaten to withhold support for the Mayor's re-election bid. "He's not in our good graces now," said Louis Matarazzo, the P.B.A. president. "We're not endorsing anyone now."
    • 2008 November 18, Jay Newton-Small, “Why the Democrats — and Obama — Forgave Lieberman”, in Time:
      Joe Lieberman has never been shy about speaking his mind. . ., leaving his fate as chairman of the Homeland Security Committee and member of the Democratic caucus to depend on the good graces of Senate Democrats.

Usage notes

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  • Now often found in the phrase "in [someone's] good graces" or "into [someone's] good graces".

Synonyms

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References

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