Andrew Marr

The business of funding digging journalists is important to encourage. It cannot be replaced by bloggers who don't have access to politicians, who don't have easy access to official documents, who aren't able to buttonhole people in power.

British Journalist

Harry Graf Kessler

I am utterly, consummately intense, wearing sunflowers and poppies and dahlias in my buttonhole.

German Diplomat

William Makepeace Thackeray

When I walk with you I feel as if I had a flower in my buttonhole.

English Novelist

Buttonhole refers specifically to the part of clothing that receives the button.

Clothing Focus

Use 'buttonhole' to talk about the design or sewing process of garments.

Sewing Term

A buttonhole must accurately fit the button's size for proper function.

Precise Fit

Using 'buttonhole' as a verb means to engage someone in conversation forcefully.

Conversational Capture

Being buttonholed can be annoying, as it implies being trapped in conversation.

Not Always Welcome

The verb form is more informal and best suited for casual conversation.

Colloquial Use

 It's one of the most enduring designs in history. For me, the best buttons are usually round. There's either a dome button with a little shank, or there's just this sort of round thing with either a rim or not a rim, either two holes or four holes. Almost more important than the button is the buttonhole. And the way you figure that out