buttonhole (someone)



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.
See also: buttonhole

Common Names:

NameGenderPronouncedUsage
Aurelius[ɔ:'ri:jəs]
ThelmaTHEL-məEnglish
TiffaniTIF-ə-neeEnglish
Crocifissakro-chee-FEE-sahItalian
FriedeFREE-dəGerman
Rupertoroo-PER-toSpanish