bows and scrapes
Shows excessive deference
Bows and scrapes describes exaggerated gestures of deference or respect—the bow being a forward bend, the scrape a backward slide of one foot while bowing.
The phrase usually appears with a verb: He made his bows and scrapes to the visiting dignitaries.
It often carries a note of mockery, suggesting the deference is excessive or insincere.
- genuflectBend knee reverently
- on bended kneeKneeling in supplication
- sycophancyObsequious behavior toward authority
- curtsyRespectful knee-bending gesture
- flatteryExcessive insincere praise
bow · kowtowing · greeting · obsequiousness · bootlicking · brown-nosing · kiss the ring · yes man · kneel · prostrate · groveling · ingratiation · salute · obeisance · nod · pandering · humble servant · decorum
bows and scrapesdefies
Openly resists or challenges
rebels · talks back · stands up to · insubordination · disobeys
bows and scrapesstands tall
Exhibits upright pride
unbowed · self-possessed · self-respect · stands one's ground · poised
bows, bowed, bowing, scrape, scrapes, scraped, scraping, scraper, scrapers