buttonhole
Translation
to accost, to detain in conversation
Examples
He buttonholed me outside the office.
He buttonholed me outside the office.
Grammar Patterns
((sb.)) to detain (sb.) in conversation The reporter tried to buttonhole the mayor.
Similar Words
Synonyms: corner, detain, waylay
Etymology
From the literal action of grabbing someone by the buttonhole of their coat to prevent them from leaving a conversation.
Memory Tips
Imagine physically holding someone by their coat's buttonhole to make them listen to you.