Compensating for, by toadying to (6,2)
I believe the answer is:
making up
'compensating' is the definition.
('make up' can be a synonym of 'compensate')
I don't understand the remainder of the clue.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for making up that I've seen before include "Fabricating - settling argument - applying cosmetics" , "invention?" .)