The term 'ACT THE TOADY' can be broken down into four crossword solutions: FAWN (4 letters), KOWTOW (6 letters), YESED (5 letters) and YESSES (6 letters). FAWN is an action that involves displaying excessive admiration or flattery in order to gain favor. KOWTOW is a gesture of deep respect, usually involving kneeling and bowing. YESED is the past tense of the verb 'to say yes', while YESSES is the plural form of the same verb. All four words are related to the idea of acting obsequiously in order to please someone else.