Bow down to
verb
To show respect or submission to someone by bending your body forward.
People bow down to the king as a sign of respect.
Often appears as...
- bow down to authority
- bow down to someone
verb
To accept someone's authority and control.
You don't have to bow down to his demands.
Often appears as...
- bow down to demands
- bow down to pressure
Usage tips
Disapproving
verb
To regard with great or extravagant respect or admiration.
He seems to bow down to every whim of his manager.
Often appears as...
- bow down to whims
- bow down to desires
Usage tips
Disapproving
verb
To show respect or submission to someone by bending your body forward.
People bow down to the king as a sign of respect.
Often appears as...
- bow down to authority
- bow down to someone
verb
To accept someone's authority and control.
You don't have to bow down to his demands.
Often appears as...
- bow down to demands
- bow down to pressure
Usage tips
Disapproving
verb
To regard with great or extravagant respect or admiration.
He seems to bow down to every whim of his manager.
Often appears as...
- bow down to whims
- bow down to desires
Usage tips
Disapproving
Definition 1 of 3
Pro Tip 1/3Physical Gesture
Originally, 'bow down to' meant a literal physical bow, deeply bending one's body to show respect.
In traditional ceremonies, participants often bow down to the altar.
Pro Tip 2/3Cultural Practice
The act of bowing down can vary between cultures; in some, it's a common greeting or sign of respect.
Visitors bow down to elders in many Asian cultures.
Pro Tip 3/3Metaphorical Use
This phrase is often used figuratively to mean showing deference or submission without an actual bow.
Employees shouldn't feel they have to bow down to unreasonable demands.
Pro Tip 1/3Physical Gesture
Originally, 'bow down to' meant a literal physical bow, deeply bending one's body to show respect.
In traditional ceremonies, participants often bow down to the altar.
Pro Tip 2/3Cultural Practice
The act of bowing down can vary between cultures; in some, it's a common greeting or sign of respect.
Visitors bow down to elders in many Asian cultures.
Pro Tip 3/3Metaphorical Use
This phrase is often used figuratively to mean showing deference or submission without an actual bow.
Employees shouldn't feel they have to bow down to unreasonable demands.
Pro Tip 1/3Physical Gesture
Originally, 'bow down to' meant a literal physical bow, deeply bending one's body to show respect.
In traditional ceremonies, participants often bow down to the altar.
Pro Tip 2/3Cultural Practice
The act of bowing down can vary between cultures; in some, it's a common greeting or sign of respect.
Visitors bow down to elders in many Asian cultures.
Pro Tip 3/3Metaphorical Use
This phrase is often used figuratively to mean showing deference or submission without an actual bow.
Employees shouldn't feel they have to bow down to unreasonable demands.
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