bow to
Show formal deference
To bow to is to yield or submit to someone or something, acknowledging their authority or superior force.
You bow to pressure, bow to demands, or bow to the inevitable.
The phrase extends from the physical gesture of bowing—lowering one's head or body as a sign of deference.
The company finally bowed to public criticism and changed its policy.
- genuflectBend knee reverently
- bend the kneeCeremonial act of submission
- concedeAdmit something reluctantly
- acquiesceSubmit without protest
- back downWithdraw from a stance
obey · kowtow · obeisance · relinquish · allegiance · prostrate · submit · curtsy · deference · salaam · respect · acknowledge · capitulate · accept defeat · kneel · yield · homage · kiss the ring
- Giving Ingive in, back down, cave in, throw in the towel, wave the white flag
bow todefy
Resist or challenge openly
resist · stand up to · oppose · disobey · stand firm
bow todominate
Control through superior strength
lord over · tower over · command · overpower · intimidate
bow tostand one's ground
Refuse to back down
hold firm · dig in · assert oneself · insist · stick to one's guns
bow, to, elbow, rainbow, bowed, bowing, bows, crossbow, unbowed