From Longman Dictionary of Contemporary Englishcurry favour (with somebody)curry favour (with somebody)IMPRESSto try to make someone like you or notice you in order to get something that you want – used to show disapproval a businessman who made several attempts to curry favour with politicians → curry
Examples from the Corpus
curry favour (with somebody)• Such is the case with, for example, foot the bill and curry favour.• But only Damian Kelly emerged as some one who curried favour on the terraces.• Wants to be liked and likes to hang around and curry favour with teacher. 