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bow down

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bow down

 (to someone or something) and bow to someone or something

1. Lit. to bend or curtsy to someone or something. Do you expect me to bow down or something when you enter? He bowed down low to the duchess. She faced forward and bowed to the altar.

2. Fig. to submit to someone or something; to yield sovereignty to someone or something. I will not bow down to you, you dictator! We will never bow to a foreign prince.

See also: bow, down

bow down (to somebody/something)

to obey someone or something The old man expects me to bow down to him, but I won't do it.

Etymology: based on the literal meaning of bow down (to show obedience or respect by bending the head down or the body forward)

See also: bow, down

bow down

v.

1. To bend the head or the top part of the body forward as a sign of respect: The loyal subjects stood before the throne and bowed down to the king and queen.

2. To submit to someone's orders without offering resistance: The rebels refused to bow down to a corrupt government.

See also: bow, down