Buttonhole (Verb)
Meaning
Detain in conversation by or as if by holding on to the outer garments of; as for political or economic favors.
Classification
Verbs of political and social activities and events.
Examples
- He cornered the senator in the hall and buttonholed him about the upcoming legislation.
- The special interest group sent representatives to buttonhole lawmakers at the annual convention.
- The union leader had no qualms about buttonholing the CEO for a meeting to discuss workers' rights.
- At the charity gala, wealthy donors were being buttonholed left and right by various fundraisers.
- The determined constituent managed to buttonhole her representative at the town hall meeting to air her grievances.