English
Noun
good graces pl (plural only)
- (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, The Tragedy of Pudd'Nhead Wilson, ch. 6:
- [T]he twins' charm of manner and easy and polished bearing made speedy conquest of the family's good graces.
- 1910, Lucy Maud Montgomery, Kilmeny of the Orchard, ch. 16:
- 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 Feb. 6, Clifford Krauss, "New York's Thin, Angry Blue Line," New York Times (retrieved 26 Dec 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 Nov. 18, Jay Newton-Small, "Why the Democrats — and Obama — Forgave Lieberman," 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
- Now often found in the phrase "in [someone's] good graces" or "into [someone's] good graces".
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