buttonholing

Buttonholing is a term with distinct meanings in both sewing and political discourse. In sewing, it refers to the creation of a buttonhole, which is a slit or loop used to fasten a button. This is typically achieved by sewing a reinforced edge around the opening, creating a neat and durable functional feature. Specialized sewing machines often have attachments or built-in functions to create buttonholes efficiently and uniformly, ensuring consistent size and appearance.

In politics, buttonholing refers to a tactic where a politician or campaigner engages a potential voter in a private, one-on-one conversation. The aim is to persuade or influence the individual by creating a sense of personal connection and addressing their specific concerns or questions directly. This approach is characterized by its intensity and focused nature, often occurring in crowded settings like campaign rallies or town hall meetings where the politician can briefly isolate a voter from distractions. The term implies a deliberate and sometimes persistent effort to corner and influence a single person.