"Apple-polishers" are individuals who seek to gain favor with authority figures by flattery or excessive praise. Synonyms for this term are "brown-nosers," "boot-lickers," "sycophants," "toady," and "yes-men." These terms are often derogatory and imply a lack of integrity or original thought. While individuals may use these tactics for personal gain, it is important to recognize the value of constructive criticism and independent thinking. Being aligned with authority figures does not always lead to positive outcomes, and true success often comes from challenging conventional wisdom and presenting new ideas.