Definition of flattering | Bee Dictionary of English

That Earnhardt was, by all accounts, not only a great racer but also a heck of a guy was flattering to the sport, and that he died on the track was in a grave way flattering to .
It means, ideally, getting to know the subject better than he knows himself and then manipulating him by role-playing, flattering, misleading, and nudging his or her perception of .
High-waisted pants aren't flattering on most people (in fact, 70% of people polled by Omiru won't be wearing them this year, even though they're back in style), but horizontal .

Smart Styling: Hollywood's Most Flattering Trend
Kristen Stewart, Heidi Klum, Liv Tyler (Bauer Griffin, Getty) There are some trends only a few should try ( hellooo harem pants and and crop-tops), but every now and then fashion throws out an idea that is so universally flattering everyone must give it a go. Right now, it's all about paneling. The color-block trend came—and lingered—and went, but in its wake left us with this enduring design ...
June 11, 2013 - StyleBistro
Erin Brockovich Mug Shot Revealed After Drunk Boating Arrest
The Erin Brockovich mug shot is much less flattering than Erin Brockovich the movie - that's for sure. The environmental activist and inspiration for the hit Julia Roberts movie was arrested this past weekend for operating a boat while intoxicated. And the Brockovich mug shot just adds to the embarrassment, as if being popped for driving a boat while drunk isn't enough. Check out the video for ...
June 10, 2013 - Vibe Magazine
Brazil Scrap Their Way to 3-0 Win Over France
Brazil scrapped their way to a flattering 3-0 friendly win over France on Sunday in an ugly, disjointed match against opponents who are even worse off than themselves.
June 9, 2013 - New York Times

Barack Obama in Forbes
It's flattering that one of George W. Bush's allies feels obliged to attack me,Obama said.
Rafael Benitez in Times Online
I heard about the rumours at the weekend, and it is always flattering to be linked with other big clubs - because it must mean you are doing something right,Benitez said. "But even if I was approached I would tell whichever club it was...