Flattery; obsequious or ingratiating behavior intended to gain favor (often used negatively).
彼は上司にへつらいばかりしていて、周りから嫌われている。
He is always flattering his boss and is disliked by those around him.
あの店員のへつらいが不自然で、かえって不快に感じた。
The clerk's flattery felt unnatural and actually made me uncomfortable.
政治家に対する過度のへつらいは有権者の信頼を失う原因になる。
Excessive flattery toward politicians can cause voters to lose trust.