Flattery will get you everywhere/nowhere American humorous
Flattery is another word for "sweet word", "compliments given to someone". Some people like being flattered, however, other people might not like it. These type of people prefer the real action to unhonest compliments.
Used to tell someone that although they have praised you, you can help them or not help them because you don't do anything you do not want to do.
Louis: Mom, your dress is so beautiful! Mom: Oh darling, flattery will get you nowhere! You still have to do your housework.
Steve, if you do not focus on your work, flattery will get you nowhere.
Flattery will get you nowhere if your words don't match with your action.
This idiom is quite new when started using from the mid-20th century in America, but the warning against flattery is quite old.
For example, Aristophanes (388 B.C.), Cato (175 B.C.), and Cicero (45 B.C.) are just three famous ancients who warned against flattery.
A contrasting phrase is flattery will get you everywhere. It is unclear which one came first.
The similarity between the children and their parents
I looked at my father's eyes, then looked at my eyes. I thought the apple doesn't fall far from the tree.