Definition: Credit for doing a good deed, or for giving someone a compliment (usually a boss, teacher, or other authority)
Examples:
When I told the boss his new suit was very handsome, the other employees laughed and said I was just trying to score brownie points.
Sara scored brownie points with her boss when she volunteered to organize the company’s holiday party.
Note: This phrase is a mild insult. Use it when you are suggesting someone’s motives are shallow or self-serving.