buttonhole someone

buttonhole (someone)

To confine or accost someone in or with conversation. Likened to holding onto someone by the lapels (on which the buttonhole used for a boutonniere is located). I tried to leave the office early, but Larry buttonholed me with a tedious conversation about weekend plans.
See also: buttonhole
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

buttonhole someone

Accost or detain a person in conversation. For example, The reporter tried to buttonhole the senator, but she got away. This term is a metaphor for literally grasping someone by a buttonhole on his or her clothing. [Mid-1800s]
See also: buttonhole, someone
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer.
See also:
  • accompany (one) on a/(one's) journey
  • accompany on a journey
  • a stranger to (someone or something)
  • be out of (one's) league
  • be out of somebody's league
  • be in bad with (someone)
  • (one) puts (one's) pants on one leg at a time
  • bargain
  • bargain for (someone or something) with (someone)
  • brief (someone) about (someone or something)
References in periodicals archive
Take the expression "to buttonhole someone", meaning to detain them in conversation that they were previously trying to avoid.
As sure as eggs is eggs, cliches still have their place