You could argue he done it to curry favor with the guards.

你可说，他想讨好狱警，或想博取囚友的友谊。

youdao

But I dare not, I be afraid you thought I in curry favor with you.

可是我不敢，我怕你以为我在巴结你。

youdao

Everyone else piles on, hoping to curry favor with the popular child.

每一个孩子都附和着，希望与大众保持一致。

youdao

Lockheed, Comcast and the high-tech association all said their moves weren't made to curry favor with Democrats.

WSJ: Lobbyists Put Democrats Out Front as Winds Shift

Additionally, prosecutors contemplating a transition to a law firm may attempt to curry favor with a prospective employer.

FORBES: Victory for SEC's Revolving Door

These programs were seen as a priority for women, and the politicians wanted to curry favor with them.

FORBES: Is Occupy Wall Street The Answer To Your Money Problems?