What does the cryptic crossword clue "Backside clean on reflection? It's what sycophants do (6,2)" mean?

The definition is "It’s what sycophants do". The wordplay uses a reversal. BUTT (synonym="‘backside’") + ERUP (synonym="ERUP") = BUTTERUP; definition: "It's what sycophants do" The answer is BUTTERUP.

Backside clean on reflection? It's what sycophants do (6,2)

Guardian Cryptic #29109 | 4 Down | 2023-06-29 flower

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