Buttonhole someone meaning

To buttonhole someone means to waylay and detain them in conversation.


Buttonhole someone definitions

Word backwards elohnottub enoemos
Part of speech Verb
Syllabic division but-ton-hole some-one
Plural The plural of the word "buttonhole" is "buttonholes."
Total letters 17
Vogais (3) u,o,e
Consonants (7) b,t,n,h,l,s,m

Buttonholing someone is a term that refers to approaching or cornering a person to have an in-depth or persistent conversation with them. It can be seen as an aggressive or intrusive behavior depending on the context and the intentions behind it.

Understanding Intentions

When someone buttonholes another person, it is essential to consider the motives behind this action. It could be a well-meaning attempt to engage in a meaningful discussion or an attempt to persuade or manipulate the other person.

Approaching with Caution

When approaching someone with the intention of buttonholing them, it is crucial to be mindful of their boundaries and body language. It is essential to respect their personal space and willingness to engage in the conversation.

Effective Communication

Engaging in a buttonholing conversation requires effective communication skills. It is important to listen actively, ask relevant questions, and be willing to consider the other person's perspective. Creating a dialogue rather than a monologue is key.

Respecting Boundaries

It is crucial to respect the boundaries of the person you are buttonholing. If they show signs of discomfort or disinterest, it is important to gracefully exit the conversation and give them space. Pushing someone into a conversation they are not comfortable with is not productive.

Building Trust

To avoid coming across as aggressive or intrusive when buttonholing someone, it is important to build trust and rapport. Showing genuine interest in the other person's thoughts and feelings can go a long way in fostering a positive and engaging conversation.

Ending the Conversation

Knowing when to end a buttonholing conversation is just as important as knowing how to start one. Being able to gracefully wrap up the discussion and part ways respectfully is key to leaving a positive impression on the other person.


Buttonhole someone Examples

  1. She carefully pinned the flower to his lapel's buttonhole.
  2. The tailor meticulously sewed the buttonhole on the jacket sleeve.
  3. He struggled to fasten the small button through the tiny buttonhole.
  4. The dressmaker had to adjust the size of the buttonhole to fit the larger button.
  5. Her grandmother taught her how to hand-stitch a buttonhole for her project.
  6. He absentmindedly twirled the buttonhole on his shirt collar during the meeting.
  7. The gloves had a buttonhole that allowed them to be hung on a hook for storage.
  8. The vest was lined with silk and had a small buttonhole for a boutonniere.
  9. She used a buttonhole cutter to neatly finish the buttonhole on her blouse.
  10. The designer added a decorative embroidery trim around the buttonhole on the coat.


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  • Updated 18/06/2024 - 22:59:35