v.
    - lavish compliments on, especially in order to further one's own interests. 
▸
(flatter oneself)
 believe something favourable about oneself, typically without foundation.
 - cause to feel honoured and pleased.
 - (of clothing or a colour) enhance the appearance of. 
▸give an unrealistically favourable impression of.
 - archaic please (the ear or eye).
 
 
  Phrase
  
    
      - flatter to deceive
 appear promising but ultimately disappoint. 
    
   
  Derivative
  
    - flatterer n.
  - flattering adj.
  - flatteringly adv.
 
   
  Etymology
  ME (as flattery): from OFr. flaterie, from flater ‘stroke, flatter’, prob. of Gmc origin and rel. to flat1.