flatter
verb [ T ] uk/ˈflæt.ər/ us/ˈflæt̬.ɚ/
奉承;讨好
to praise someone in order to make them feel attractive or important, sometimes in a way that is not sincere
I knew he was only flattering me because he wanted to borrow some money. 我知道他只是在讨好我，因为他想借些钱。
flatter yourself 自命不凡
to believe something good about yourself although it might not be true
[ + that ] Steve flatters himself that he's an excellent speaker. 史蒂夫自认为是个优秀的演说家。
He flatters himself that, where Sara is concerned, he has the magic touch.
I had thought I was quite good with tricky people but perhaps I flatter myself.
I was under the impression he found me rather funny but maybe I flatter myself.
Don't flatter yourself, Peter. She's like that with everyone.
flatter to deceive UK 以假象蒙人，掩人耳目
to give the appearance of being better than the true situation
I suspect these statistics flatter to deceive. 我怀疑这些数据是掩人耳目的。
I'm afraid I think the present calm flatters to deceive and is just a lull in hostilities.
Alas, this brief success flattered to deceive.
They started well but after a beginning that flattered to deceive, it was all downhill.
The takings over the holidays were good but as far as the long-term viability of the business is concerned, they flatter to deceive.
be/feel flattered 被奉承得高兴;感到荣幸
to feel very pleased and proud because someone has said good things about you or has made you feel important
She was flattered by his attention. 他的关注使她格外高兴。
They were flattered to be invited to dinner by the mayor. 市长邀请他们共进晚餐，他们深感荣幸。
We felt flattered that so many people came to our party. 这么多人来参加我们的聚会，我们感到十分荣幸。
He was very kind about my dress and general appearance and I felt flattered.
I was very flattered by her comments on my cooking.
It's only natural to feel flattered by someone's attentions.
使…显得更吸引人
to make someone look more attractive than usual
That new hairstyle really flatters her. 那个新发型让她显得漂亮多了。
Short skirts don't flatter me at all. 我穿短裙根本不好看。