# bow out

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/bow-out
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

To resign, or leave, with one's credibility or reputation still intact.

## Examples

- I decided to bow out of the project early.
- After years of leading the team, she chose to bow out while her reputation was still strong.
- Recognizing that the political climate had shifted against his policies, the senator decided to bow out gracefully rather than face a humiliating defeat at the polls.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.