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. [

What is the meaning of waylay in English?

transitive verb. 1 : to lie in wait for or attack (someone) from ambush … he had been waylaid, bound hand and foot, and thrown into a marsh.

What does buttonhole mean in politics?

1. buttonhole - detain in conversation by or as if by holding on to the outer garments of; as for political or economic favors. lobby.