Bow and scrape

usgb
verb phrase

To act in a very respectful way to someone more important, sometimes excessively so.

He's always bowing and scraping to his boss, it's quite pathetic.
Visual representation of "bow and scrape" - To act in a very respectful way to someone more important, sometimes excessively so.

Often appears as...

  • bow and scrape to someone
  • bow and scrape before superior

Usage tips

Disapproving

Idiomatic

Definition 1 of 1
Visual representation of "bow and scrape"
LampPro Tip 1/3

Excessive Flattery

Using 'bow and scrape' implies that someone is behaving too eagerly to please or flatter someone else.

Illustration for Excessive Flattery
She didn't get that promotion by skill alone; she had to bow and scrape to the director.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Power Dynamics

The phrase often suggests a relationship where one person is much more powerful or authoritative.

Illustration for Power Dynamics
Employees often feel pressured to bow and scrape to their CEOs in order to keep their jobs.
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Negative Impression

It can leave a negative impression of the person doing it, implying weakness or subservience.

Illustration for Negative Impression
At the meeting, he bowed and scraped so much that he lost the respect of his colleagues.
Visual representation of the word "Bow and scrape"

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