bow and scrape
Show excessive deference
To bow and scrape is to be excessively deferential or obsequious—the image is of someone bending forward while dragging a foot backward in an elaborate show of humility.
The phrase is almost always critical, suggesting servility rather than genuine respect: He expected everyone to bow and scrape before him.
I refuse to bow and scrape just to get a promotion.
- genuflectBend knee reverently
- kowtowExcessive deference shown physically
- sycophancyObsequious behavior toward authority
- grovelHumble oneself servilely
- servilityExcessive willingness to please
kiss the ring · truckle · kneel · subservience · obsequious · obeisance · prostration · curtsy · cap in hand · ingratiate · fawn · deference · cringe · humility · respect · meekness · flatter · brown nose
- mannersetiquette, manners, polite, rude, politeness
bow and scrapestand tall
Maintain dignity under pressure
defy · stand one's ground · stand up to · assert oneself · rebel
bow and scrapeself-respect
Valuing one's own worth
stand on ceremony · pride · haughtiness · swagger · strut
bow and scrapespeak truth to power
Criticize those in charge
tell it like it is · speak plainly · speak one's mind · call a spade a spade · not mince words
bows, bowed, bowing, scrape, scrapes, scraped, scraping, scraper, scrapers