humble bow
Deferential lowering gesture
A humble bow is a gesture of deep respect or deference, bending forward with lowered head to show submission or gratitude.
The phrase emphasizes sincerity and lack of pretension: She gave a humble bow to the master.
It often appears in formal or ceremonial contexts, or ironically when someone makes an exaggerated show of modesty.
- curtsyRespectful knee-bending gesture
- kneelBend legs to ground
- bend the kneeCeremonial act of submission
- nodBrief head tilt
- reverenceProfound admiring respect
modest · meek · lowly · submissive · gracious · respectful · deferential · prostrate · genuflect · stoop · incline · servant · at your service · hat in hand · cap in hand · gratitude · acknowledge · unassuming
- gesturesgesture, hand gestures, applause, hand raise, tap on shoulder
- bowslongbow, shortbow, crossbow, flatbow, English longbow
- submission gestureskowtow, genuflection, genuflect, genuflecting, prostration
humble bowhead held high
Bearing showing self-respect
standing tall · upright posture · chin up · hands on hips · strutting
humble bowdismissive wave
Gesture rejecting someone's presence
sneer · looking down one's nose · cold shoulder · regal bearing · snub
humble, bow, humbly, humbleness, humility, humbled, humbling, humbler, humblest