Insincere praise (8)
I believe the answer is:
flattery
'insincere praise' is the definition.
(I've seen this in another clue)
This is the entire clue.
(Other definitions for flattery that I've seen before include "It is said to get one nowhere" , "Left tray (anag.)" , "Mendacious praise" , "Honeyed words" , "Felt tray (anag.)" .)