Less exciting compliment (7)
I believe the answer is:
flatter
'compliment' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)
I can't explain the remainder of the clue.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for flatter that I've seen before include "Fawn upon" , "Compliment dishonestly" , "with fewer bubbles" , "suit, looking good" , "resort to cajolery" .)